---
title: "Should I cut off the stem off? It doesn’t look to have any nodes"
description: "Should I cut off the stem off? It doesn’t look to have any nodes"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/PkQGKThyKvRfLbY735UmlJ"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Lilla"
published: "2025-04-19T14:30:05.107775Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Cphgbb1kLU-FVjybJCVKYAC1mWGeTzaz5TYOYfhQOp0/UN6hEkCARF6mcBxul1wzHQ.webp?size=large"
---

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# Should I cut off the stem off? It doesn’t look to have any nodes

_Posted by Lilla on 2025-04-19_

Should I cut off the stem off? It doesn’t look to have any nodes

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Cphgbb1kLU-FVjybJCVKYAC1mWGeTzaz5TYOYfhQOp0/UN6hEkCARF6mcBxul1wzHQ.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Jen commented on 2025-04-19

I would cut it off, down to the base. It’s not going to rebloom, and the orchid can focus its energy on growing leaves and roots. When it’s strong enough and creates enough space on the stem of the plant for a new flower spike- it will grow a new one.

Sidenote: Do you have this potted in dirt? I’d be worried about orchid roots in such a suffocating potting media.

#### Lilla replied on 2025-04-19

It hasn’t bloomed yet, it just grew this nodeless stem :/. I will cut it off, thanks

It is mostly in orchid bark , but I didn’t have enough so the top has normal soil

#### Jen replied on 2025-04-19

Phalaenopsis orchids like these do not grow in soil. They grow on the bark of trees, which is why home growers use chunky bark mixes. Soil doesn’t allow for the aeration that epiphytic orchids need around their roots. If it grew a spike and then just stopped, buds not developing, or yellowing and falling, chances are something is wrong with its environment or care. I’d suggest checking that the roots haven’t rotted in the pot, and repotting in just bark or a bark and fluffy sphagnum moss mix.

The leaves don’t look too dehydrated so the chance of recovery is really good- even if the roots are in bad shape. It will have the stored energy to grow some new ones.

#### Laura B replied on 2025-04-21

Remove the soil or you’ll get root rot. These orchid attach to trees and wrap their roots around the trunks so they love lots of airflow. I’ve had the best success with just orchid bark.

This spike did have flowers but it looks spent: snip it at the base and let it does its thing 😊

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