Grooming orchids is lot like grooming kids. Not for appearance sake alone, they need it for them to stay healthy. In fact, a well groomed orchid will be better at producing flowers in the next blooming cycle compared to one that has not been groomed.
Unlike most plants, most orchids do not need regular pruning. In fact, some species do not need pruning alone. Phalaenopsis orchids, for example, only need to be groomed at least once a year. The other species only need pruning when they have broken stems or such.
Cutting them correctly and knowing the best time to do this is essential. If done incorrectly, the plant may entirely lose its blooms and can even die. To help you know the proper time for pruning, here are a few tips:
After Flowering
The best time for an orchid to be pruned is after they flower. When the blooms start to dry and wilt then you can bring out your tools. Cutting them immediately will stimulate the orchid to grow new leaves. This in turn will aid in the production of food, which will result in vibrant and sturdy flowers next blooming season.
Be sure though that when you do this, your tools are sterilized. Cleaning them with bleach or ordinary rubbing alcohol for a few minutes or so will eliminate the risk for bacterial and fungal infection. Cut the stem just above its node, cutting any lower than this can kill the plant.
Another sign your orchid needs pruning is when the stalk starts to dry and turn yellow. This means that the plant can no longer produce flowers. Immediately cut them to invigorate the plant and prepare it for the next season.
The Roots
Another part of the orchid that needs pruning is the roots. This is especially needed when repotting. Cutting the roots will stimulate new growth and allow better absorption of nutrients from the soil and air, since most orchids feed of through the roots.
When not repotting, you can check the roots by gently lifting the plant from the pot. Then cut away the dead and rotten roots. Healthy roots are gray in color, while dead and rotten ones are yellowish to brown.
If you follow these tips, you will have a healthy orchid with vibrant and beautiful blooms next blooming season. Remember, never prune them at the wrong time or you may have orchids with no flowers or even worse, dead ones. Happy grooming!
How often do you prune your orchids? Do you have any special techniques? Leave us a comment.
Unsure of how to repot your orchid? Discover the best orchid repotting method here.
Hello Ann,
I have just started looking an Orchid. First timer, at the moment the blooms have all fallen off and the stems are still fairly green, however, the leaves are just as green and lush. What do I do now? Do I leave the stems to dry out a little bit more before I prune?
Thank you
Hi Patience, Thank you for your question. Check out this post we did about care after blooming. 🙂 Orchid Care Blooming Tips – Mary Ann
Can I re-root an orchid from a cutting?
Yes – here’s a post we did about orchid propagation. Thanks! – Mary Ann
My orchids bloom a couple of times a year but the growth that trails out of the pot is my question. Are these roots and should they be trimmed back. They are crawling all over
Yes – those are roots. As long as they are healthy, I would recommend not trimming them. – Mary Ann