Before carrying out any pruning of your orchid, it should be remembered that the majority of indoor grown orchids are epiphytic, otherwise known as tree growing. This natural growing characteristic requires a particular range of plant care which includes orchid pruning.
Further to this, each orchid species requires a particular pruning method. The following is a selection of popular orchids, each with its respective pruning requirements.
Dendrobium Orchid
The optimum time for pruning the Dendrobium Orchid is at the end of its annual growth period during late autumn and early winter, which is when the flowers have died off and any dead branches are visible. Pruning at this time will reduce the overall size to enable it to retain its nutrients during the dormant period.
After carefully removing the orchid from its pot cut off any broken or dead roots plus those which appear unhealthy. Re-pot the orchid in fresh potting medium and then generously water straight through the pot.
By cutting back any the dead foliage, branches and stems, this will encourage new plant growth during the following growth season.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
During its growing season, the Phalaenopsis Orchid will develop several flowers clustered along it stem. When each of these flowers has wilted, cut it off at its junction with the stem.
This process of cutting off each flower as it finishes its blooming period and begins to wilt will assist in stimulating further flowering.
At the end of the orchid's growing season, usually late autumn or early winter, it is recommended to cut back the stem to directly above the second node up the stem. This will encourage vigorous growth during the following flowering season and may even produce immediate re-flowering.
Paphiopedilum Orchid
At the end of the flowering season the Paphiopedilum Orchid stem will gradually turn brown and subsequently dry out, in which case it can be carefully snapped off. Alternatively, those orchids with fibrous stems can be cut off to promote blooming during the following growth season.
Check on the condition of roots and remove any that are damaged or dead. This is best achieved by removing the orchid from its pot and allowing the potting mix to fall away.
Also this provides an opportunity to check on the condition of the existing potting mix and whether the orchid requires to be re-potted in fresh potting medium.
Vanda Orchid
Some care needs to be taken when pruning the Vanda Orchid. Only prune those parts of the orchid that appear brown and dry; the green stem and leaves indicate that the plant is healthy and must remain to generate fresh growth.
Check the orchid roots and cut off those that are black or yellow in colour.
Cattleya Orchid
For pruning the Cattleya Orchid it is recommended, when the flower begins to wilt and die off, to cut off the flower spike and its associated protective sheath just above the top leaf on the main stem.
This will encourage the orchid to develop a new pseudobulb which in turn should produce a new flower during the following growth season.
If you are dividing your Cattleya Orchid, ensure that it is large enough so that after dividing, each separate division has a minimum of three new growths. This will ensure that the newly divided orchids will retain sufficient nutrients to support new growth.
General Pruning Requirements
When pruning your orchid always use a sharp blade, whether it is a small knife, single-edged razor or secateurs.
In addition, to avoid the risk of infecting your orchid with disease, the cutting blade should be sterilised, either by immersing in a diluted bleach solution or passing it through a naked flame.
Further to this, ensure that your hands or work gloves are thoroughly washed before touching the orchid.
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