Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason! They’re relatively easy to care for and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
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Pruning
Cut the stem of the orchid down to about an inch above the base of the plant. This will help to promote new growth. The new growth will help to support the next generation of flowers.
Why prune your orchid?
Pruning your orchid is necessary for two reasons. The first reason is to remove any spent flowers or dead leaves. This ensures that the plant can put all its energy into producing new growth and flowers. The second reason is to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. By pruning the stem, you are essentially tricking the plant into thinking that it has been damaged and needs to produce more flowers in order to survive.
When to prune your orchid
Orchids should be pruned immediately after flowering. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or shears, and cut the stalk about an inch above the base of the plant. Be sure to disinfect your tool between cuts to avoid spreading disease.
Types of Orchids
Orchids are a beautiful and popular type of flower, but they can be tricky to care for. One important thing to remember about orchids is that they need to be pruned after they flower. This may seem counterintuitive, but it’s necessary in order to encourage new growth. Different types of orchids require different types of pruning, so it’s important to know what kind of orchid you have before you start.
Dendrobium
Dendrobium orchids are some of the most popular types of orchids in the world, and they come in many different colors and shapes. They are easily recognized by their long, thin leaves and their tall, slender stems. Dendrobiums are native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Polynesia, and they can be found growing in a wide variety of habitats.
Dendrobiums are epiphytic plants, which means that they grow on other plants or objects rather than in the ground. In nature, they can be found growing on tree branches, rocks, and even on other types of Orchids! Dendrobiums are known for their beautiful flowers, which can be found in a wide range of colors including white, pink, purple, yellow, and orange.
There are two main types of dendrobiums: those with Pseudobulbs (false bulbs) and those without Pseudobulbs. The type of dendrobium you have will determine how you care for your plant. Dendrobiums with Pseudobulbs (also called sympodial dendrobiums) store water in their false bulbs and can go for long periods without watering. Dendrobiums without Pseudobulbs (also called monopodial dendrobiums) have long, slender stems and cannot store water. Both types of dendrobiums require high humidity and good air circulation to thrive.
Phalaenopsis
One of the most popular types of orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are easy to grow and bloom. They are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. These orchids are native to tropical Asia and can be found in rainforests, epiphytic growths on trees, and on rocky cliffs.
Oncidium
Pruning an Oncidium Orchid (also known as the Dancing Lady Orchid,) is done for two reasons: to shape the plant and to encourage re-blooming. You can prune your orchid after it has flowered, cutting back the flower stalk to just above a node. New growth will emerge from the node, and you may get another flower stalk. You can also cut back some of the older pseudobulbs to encourage new growth.
Cattleya
Cattleya orchids are some of the most popular orchids in the world and are frequently used in hybridization due to their large and colorful flowers. They are generally easy to grow, making them a good choice for beginners. Cattleyas are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants, often trees, and derive their nutrients from the air, rainwater, and decaying matter around them. Most cattleyas bloom once a year, usually in the spring.
There are four main types of cattleya orchids: compact cattleyas, miniatures cattleyas, standard cattleyas, and fragrant cattleyas. Compact cattleyas grow to about two feet tall and have smaller flowers than other types of cattleyas. Miniature cattleyas are even smaller, growing to only about six inches tall. Standard cattleyas can reach up to four feet tall and have the largest flowers of all the cattleya varieties. Fragrant cattleyas have a strong fragrance that can be enjoyed even when the plant is not in bloom.
Tools
The most important tool you will need for pruning your orchid is a sharp pair of scissors or shears. It is also helpful to have a magnifying glass on hand so that you can see the individual leaves and stems that you will be cutting.
Sharp, clean scissors
The best time to prune your orchid is after it has finished blooming. This will encourage it to produce more flowers. Using sharp, clean scissors, cut the stem off just above a node (the knob-like bumps on the stem). Make sure to sterilize your scissors before and after pruning to prevent the spread of disease.
Clean, sharp knife
It’s important to use a clean, sharp knife when pruning your orchid. A dull knife can crush the stems, which can damage the plant.
Disinfectant
You will need to disinfect your pruning tools before you start. You can do this by dipping them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, or spraying them with Lysol disinfectant. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
Steps
If you want to encourage your orchid to bloom again, you’ll need to prune it after it flowers. Pruning an orchid is a simple process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind to do it correctly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of pruning an orchid so you can get it ready for its next blooming cycle.
Cut off the spent flower stalk
After your orchid has flowered, the next step is to prune the spent flower stalk. You’ll want to make your cut just above a node, which is a raised area on the stem where leaves and new growth emerge. Doing this will encourage your orchid to produce new growth and flowers.
Cut back the pseudobulbs
Cut back the pseudobulbs to about 1/3 of their original length using a sharp, clean knife. If any pseudobulbs are yellowed or brown, cut them back to healthy tissue.
Remove any dead or dying leaves
Start by removing any dead or dying leaves. These leaves will be brown and/or mushy, and they can harbor disease. Use sharp, sterilized scissors or shears to make clean cuts as close to the base of the plant as possible.
Next, remove any yellowing or browning leaves. These leaves are still alive but are not photosynthesizing properly, which means they’re not contributing to the health of the plant. Again, use sharp, sterilized scissors or shears to make clean cuts as close to the base of the plant as possible.
Finally, trim back any long, leggy stems. These stems are not producing blooms and are using up energy that could be better used elsewhere. Cut these stems back to about 6 inches (15 cm) from the main plant body.
Prune any diseased or damaged roots
diseased or damaged roots can harbor pathogens that can infect other parts of your orchid, so it’s important to remove them as soon as possible. To prune diseased or damaged roots, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut the root cleanly away from the plant. If the root is too thick to cut through with a knife or scissors, you can use a saw. Once you’ve removed the diseased or damaged roots, be sure to disinfect your cutting tools before using them on healthy parts of your plant.
Aftercare
Congratulations on your beautiful orchid bloom! Since your orchid has now completed its flowering cycle, it is time to prune it. Pruning will help your orchid to focus its energy on growth and will encourage it to bloom again. In this article, we will show you how to prune your orchid after flowering.
Water your orchid
Watering your orchid is probably the most important part of aftercare.
Orchids like to be kept moist, but not wet. The potting mix should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. A good guide is to water when the potting mix feels dry to the touch. Depending on the type of orchid, and the potting mix used, this can be every few days or every few weeks.
It’s important not to overwater your orchid as this can lead to problems such as root rot. If you’re unsure whether your plant needs watering, it’s better to err on the side of caution and wait a little longer.
Fertilize your orchid
Feed your orchid every other week using a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Follow the package directions for application. You can also use a time-released fertilizer that lasts for several months.
