Orchid - dead or alive?

[brittanyfairies]

I have an orchid - the flowers fell off pretty much overnight about eight months ago now and the stalk turned brown. However, the leaves have remained green and looking at them it looks like a new one may have grown. I've been watering it since it died and at the moment the roots are green and fat and look healthy.

There is no new stalk at all just leaves. Is my orchid dead or alive? If alive do I cut off the dead stalk or do I just continue to leave it and hope it will sort itself out?

[elvisola]

Mine do this. If you look down the green stem you should be able to see a tiny leaf bud. The new stem will grow from that. I think you can cut off the brown but I never do until the new branch is established. I threw away many a "dead" orchid before I realised they reincarnated themselves!

[wonkylegs]

Yep sounds alive, they do go kinda dormant for a bit and then flower again. I have quite a few all bought at different times so there is always something flowering whilst the others rest.
I love orchids because as long as they have lots of light they take very little looking after. And have gorgeous, gorgeous flowers.

[brittanyfairies]

Thank you both. I won't bin it then.

I've moved it to a spot where it might get a bit more light and be a bit warmer, so hopefully it will give it the boost it needs.

I love orchids too, but I'm not very good with plants.

[Ferguson]

But they must have special orchid compost:

www.lovethegarden.com/gardening-growing/caring-for-orchids

[HelenF350]

Don't put it in direct sunlight, they don't like it. It can cause the leaves t 'burn'. I'm crap with plants but I've had my orchid 3 years and it's still alive