Should You Chop The Stick When Handling Orchids?

To prune an orchid, it is essential to cut the spike down near the base of the plant, leaving only two or three nodes for new growth. If you need to trim back an orchid to fit its spot on your desk, remove leaves, or repot the plant, follow these guidelines for how and when to prune an orchid.

Timing is crucial when pruning orchids, as it can enhance their blooming potential and overall health. Clean and sterilize your best secateurs and use super sharp pruning shears for a clean cut. Pruning at least annually serves two main purposes: keeping the plant in top health, enabling it to rebloom once or twice a year, and removing spent or dead parts.

While pruning is not a necessary part of orchid care, it is important to trim the stem occasionally, even on moth orchids, if the orchid stem is turning yellow. To do this, ensure that the leaves are healthy and not cut off until the blooms are all dead. If the spent blooms are removed after flowering, inspect the plant and remove any damaged or dead parts before potting it into a fresh medium.

Keeping spikes neat and tidy helps conserve energy for reblooming, and trimming unhealthy or dead structures can help redirect growth into more aesthetically pleasing directions. Some people believe it is best to cut off the stem entirely at the base where it comes out of the leaves, as it will bloom again in several months. After orchid flowers fall off, trim the stems just above the node where you see a small bump.

In summary, pruning an orchid is essential for maintaining its health and reblooming potential. Trimming unhealthy or dead structures can help conserve energy and redirect growth into more aesthetically pleasing directions.