Can I Remove Unhealthy Leaves From My Orchids?

Orchid leaves should be cut off if there are signs of disease, rot, or infection. However, in most cases, these leaves should be left on the orchid. Over time, wrinkled, wilted leaves will regain some or most of their turgor and structure. Trimming orchid leaves is not necessary for proper growth, as any cuts in the plant are open to infection and should be avoided.

Orchid-lovers may experience issues that require cutting off damaged leaves, such as fungal or bacterial infections, sunburn, rapid temperature changes, insect, and mechanical damage. To clean and polish orchid leaves, wipe them clean with solutions diluted with water like mayonnaise, lemon, or mild. Inspect the leaves to ensure they are healthy enough to prune. If the base has glossy, green, firm leaves, it is healthy enough for pruning. However, if the leaves are yellow, chartreuse, or yellow-green, it is not recommended.

Repotting orchids helps produce healthy blooms each year, so wait until later winter or early spring to keep them blooming in late summer or fall. Carefully take the orchids out and monitor their health during the vegetative stage. Trimming orchid leaves may be required if the plant has a bacterial or fungal disease. Cut leaves with sterilized blades and treat the plant with a fungicide afterward to prevent further infection. Allow recovery in an environment with comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and good airflow.

In most cases, there is no need to remove leaves. However, if wilted leaves show problems like rot or disease, it is best to cut them at the base or the point where it joins the rest of the plant. Orchids with black or brown rotten spots on their leaves should be pruned. Yellow leaves are easy to remove with a light pull, while fleshy, green, and juicy leaves should only be removed at the base in extreme emergencies.

It is important to give your orchid a bath in a rooting hormone before repotting it to coax it to begin putting out roots.