When Should Dead Orchids Be Pulled Off Plants?

Orchids are beautiful indoor plants that require special care, but excessive pruning can hinder nutrient storage and slow growth. When orchid flowers die, they should be cut off from the plant to redirect its energy to producing new blooms. The flower spike can be left in place until it turns brown and then cut off near the base of the plant. New growth should be pinched off when it appears. Deadheading orchids is an easy way to keep the plant looking its best, with benefits including improved flowering, better overall health, and increased blooming cycles.

The first step is to assess the bloom. If it is starting to wilt or fade in color, it is probably time to cut it off. However, if the bloom still looks healthy, you can leave it on a bit longer. Orchids should be pruned only once the flowers have died off, usually when temperatures drop in fall. Fading flowers can be nipped off to keep your orchid looking neat, but don’t cut the stems on. If you need to rein in unruly growth, such as trimming back an orchid to fit its spot on your desk, remove leaves, or repot your plant, follow these guidelines for how and when to prune an orchid.

After orchid flowers fall off, it is generally a good idea to trim the stems just above the node where you see a small bump. Pruning orchids is unnecessary; excessive pruning may hinder nutrient storage and slow growth. The best way to cut orchid plants when they are young is to trim the stalk all the way back to 1 inch (2.5 cm.) from the base of the plant.