How To Prune The Branches Of Orchids?

To prune an orchid, sanitize your shears to prevent disease spread and identify a node where new growth should emerge. Make a clean, angled cut just above the node, with 45 degrees being the sweet spot. Remove any unruly aerial roots or guide them back to the soil. Trim away any damaged or diseased sections mercilessly.

Orchid pruning is subtle, strategic, and sublime when done right. Clean and sterilize your best secateurs to make the cleanest cut on your plant. The step-by-step pruning process for orchids involves trimming spikes, removing dead or damaged leaves, and cutting unhealthy roots. Use sterilized, sharp tools for clean cuts.

Caring for orchids after pruning involves making a clean, even cut directly back to the main branch. Keep this up while the plant is blooming. When the Phalaenopsis orchid is completely done blooming and all flowers have faded, you can do this periodically as branches wilt. Trim the stem that had the blooms on it about half an inch from the main branch. If any of the branches are turning brown or yellow, cut them.

The timing of pruning depends on the species you are growing. Some orchid species don’t need pruning, while others need specific maintenance to rebloom. Pruning orchids is important for keeping plants healthy and thriving for many years. For healthy, green spikes, trim 1 inch above the node under the lowest flower bloom. For Dendrobiums, trim just at the base of the flower cluster, not the base of the plant.

If you need to trim, repot, or divide your plant, the best time is “when the plants have begun active root and new growth”. After the flower cycle is complete, cut 1/2 inch right above a node at the bottom and use fertilizer to encourage new stem growth.