---
title: "Does this look healthy? If I need to cut it where should I make the…"
description: "Does this look healthy? If I need to cut it where should I make the cut?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/WKkAcMvKToiPwi2mLOhAjQ"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Sabrina"
published: "2024-09-11T22:24:48.449391Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/SbUFpGDOB1HZoiIrVb7J1iJ_t29LBhbq15hILtKZTeY/-r2DUFtoQcKVyWrEHeYVFA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Does this look healthy? If I need to cut it where should I make the…

_Posted by Sabrina on 2024-09-11_

Does this look healthy? If I need to cut it where should I make the cut?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/SbUFpGDOB1HZoiIrVb7J1iJ_t29LBhbq15hILtKZTeY/-r2DUFtoQcKVyWrEHeYVFA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/SbUFpGDOB1HZoiIrVb7J1iJ_t29LBhbq15hILtKZTeY/ZGdHZiVMTp2mori8lA6CDA.webp?size=large)

## 9 comments

### eatyacarbs commented on 2024-09-11

cut it at the base — it will make a new one

### Heather commented on 2024-09-12

Is that a leaf on the top of the spike? If it is, DON’T cut it! It is growing a keiki (plant baby) and needs to stay on the parent plant until it has a good root system.

#### Jen replied on 2024-09-12

I think that’s just the old clip on the arching spike.

### Jen commented on 2024-09-12

To be honest, I cut them back after the flowers fall for the health of the orchid. I know some people would tell you to cut it above a node in order to possibly get a secondary blooming, but your spike looks like it’s drying out and getting discolored anyway. Nothing will grow from it. Cut it down to the base.

#### Sabrina replied on 2024-09-12

It hasn't bloomed yet at all it was not taken care of well from my grandma so she gave it to me. I'd love to help it recover. I will cut it and hope something good happens.

#### Jen replied on 2024-09-12

Focus first on root health- without that, you won’t have anything. Then with proper care, you’ll get plenty of new vegetative growth, roots and leaves- and only then can the orchid give some energy to a new flower spike.

### Sabrina commented on 2024-09-12

What should I do for the roots?

#### Jen replied on 2024-09-12

Isn’t this the same plant in your post about your roots and what to do with them? I’d get them out of that fine suffocating medium, assess their health, and get a nice chunky bark and sphagnum mix.

### Dan commented on 2024-09-18

How far do you have to cut if the stem is drying ?

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