If any plant could win an award for high-maintenance vibes, it’d be the orchid, always keeping even the pros guessing. Don’t get me started on how many orchids I’ve destroyed over the years…
Light, water, and food keep orchids blooming, but could a few hidden tips help them reach their full potential?
You bet! I’ve got one tried-and-true method for orchids that boosts blooms and speeds up growth. Pruning could be just the ticket for yours as well!
Well, pruning isn’t the usual move for orchid parents, but maybe it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Let’s see how a simple trim could have your orchids bursting with growth!
1. Here’s How You Prune Orchid Flowers
Do you grow monopodial orchids? If so, you should know that these orchids can quickly rebloom with the help of pruning the flowers.
As soon as the flowering stage ends and flowers fall off, you can clean those pruners and start cutting. The best method is to identify the second or third node on the flowering stalk and cut about half an inch just above it.
It typically takes two months for monopodial orchids to recover from pruning and send new blossoms. I always use this technique and I can’t really remember when it didn’t work. So, thumbs up for it!
Another pruning technique for these types of orchids is to cut off the entire flowering stem after it blooms and turns brown. If you leave it on the plant, it’ll still use the energy and prevent your orchid from generating new growth.
Once you remove it, the energy will refocus on root growth and new stalks and blossoms.
If you grow sympodial orchids, this method isn’t for you. You see, they bloom on new growth that develops from roots, and trimming won’t get them to bloom again.
You may be tempted to remove the leaves from your orchids after blooming, but don’t do it. Orchids need their leaves for energy. You can clean the plant by removing the spent blossoms, but that’s where you should stop.
2. If You’re Propagating Your Orchids, Prune This Way
Who doesn’t want more orchids, especially if they are for free? Yes, I know new orchids are on the more expensive side when it comes to flowering plants.
The easiest way to get new orchid plants is to propagate them.
For monopodial orchids, you should know that they produce baby plants commonly referred to as keiki and they appear on the stalks after flowering.
What you can do is prune these baby orchids and plant them in a separate container. With regular orchid care, you’ll have brand-new and healthy plants in no time.
If you grow sympodial orchids, you can’t propagate them this way; a proper method is to divide the rootball and plant each part separately.
3. Don’t Forget To Trim Those Roots When Repotting
No matter which type or variety you grow, you must repot your orchids. I have an orchid collection, and each plant typically outgrows the pot in about two years.
And while you’re repotting these beauties, you should use the opportunity to prune the roots.
Of course, you’ll start repotting by taking your orchid out of its original pot. The next step is to inspect the roots closely and this is when you can start pruning.
You must prune all the dead roots, stems, canes, and bulbs. Healthy roots will be plump and white or gray in color. All other roots must be removed!
4. Old And Diseased Foliage Must Go!
The last scenario when you should prune your orchids is when there’s dead or diseased foliage. If your orchids are turning yellow or brown, you must cut off those leaves.
The thing is that diseases are some of the most common causes of a dying orchid, so you must cut off the infected parts to prevent the disease from spreading.
Sometimes you’ll notice your monopodial orchids shed their old bottom leaves. This is completely normal because the leaves reached the end of their lifespan.
You can simply prune these leaves and help your orchid focus its energy on new growth.
In sympodial orchids, this yellowing can occur in leaves and pseudobulbs. If the plant looks healthy and there aren’t any signs that would indicate some problems, you can remove these parts and your orchids will be back on track soon.
Orchids may be fussy, but there’s no denying they’re some of the most stunning blooms around. With a little pruning, you can help them reach their prime and enjoy even more breathtaking blossoms!