The Brown Bumps on an Orchid

Growing Nodes

• Epiphytic or aerial orchids such as Dendrobiums and Phalaenopsis grow flowers stalks divided by joints. These joints appear as brown, slightly bent sections of the stalks, and mark the sections of stalk capable of producing new growth. New blooms or flower stalks grow from these nodes.

Pruning Orchids

• Growing nodes come into play during the orchid's blooming and growth season. When orchid blooms fade and die, cut the stalk back to 1 inch above an unused growing node. The orchid will produce new growth at that node, and those below it, for repeat blooming.

Orchid Potting Foundation

• Orchids cannot utilize their growing nodes without adequate care and opportunity. Keep orchids in a potting medium appropriate to their variety; terrestrial orchids like Cattleyas thrive in loose, high-quality potting soil while aerial orchids like Phalaenopsis and Dendrobiums require nonsoil foundations such as fern matter, coir or gravel. All orchids need quick-draining foundations as they rot in standing water.

Light, Temperature and Care

• Encourage new growth and orchid blooming at growing nodes with variety-specific lighting and temperature. All orchids thrive with bright indirect light or artificial lighting, high humidity and warmth. Don't expose orchids to frost at any time. Water them with 1 inch of water every other day to keep the roots moist and juicy, and fertilize every other week with water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer. Switch to weekly feedings with water-soluble 10-50-10 fertilizer when orchids show new growth at their growing nodes.