Probably, you think that an orchid going dormant does not claim any more needs, at least for the period. Even after losing its flowers, it can be revived. So, be diligent, don't lose sight of her because she doesn't like dehydration or excessive watering. The maintenance you owe him includes pruning except fertilization and multiplication. Why prune your orchid and what are the advantages, our little guide will give you some pointers.
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Why prune your orchid?
Sponsored LinksEven though orchids are different from all other plants in some crucial ways, they need pruning for the same basic reasons.
First of all, pruning your orchid is a requirement that must keep it healthy. Even better, pruning away superfluous stems can uncover some sort of problem early in your plant's development.
Secondly, when there are miasmas, they may harbor parasites or fungi which, at a later stage, will cause disease.
Thirdly, it is exciting to prune your orchid by stimulating it to bud and bloom again.
Sponsored LinksAvoid pruning the orchid in full bloom, because the optimal time to do so is after the flowers have faded and fallen off. On the other hand, orchids do not need to be pruned frequently. Most varieties bloom once a year, others can bloom many times. Therefore, the frequency of pruning depends on the number of blooms.
Before specifying this crucial detail, it is necessary to explain what an orchid ear is. It means the stem that attaches a bud (flower) to the stem of the plant. This little green bit is so much more important than its humble appearance suggests.
Just below the base of the spike (where it attaches to the stem) are the nodes that harbor potential new blooms.
To avoid getting confused, it is necessary to specify that "cob" and "root" are different parts of the orchid, although the difference varies according to the variety. According to the type of flowering, we speak of "single ear" and "double ear". There are varieties that change the number of ears from year to year.
While pruning your orchid is not your main care responsibility, it should be correct to minimize problems and encourage reblooming.
You will need previously sterilized scissors, a pot and orchid soil. It is important to spray each cut spot with a sterilizing solution to protect the plant from pests and diseases.
First, examine your orchid carefully. Determine all areas (roots, ears, leaves) that need to be pruned.
If the spike looks green and healthy, wait until the flowers have faded and fallen off. Cut the spike to within an inch of the stem if you think the orchid will sprout a second time before the fall/winter dormancy period.
In case you are sure the orchid will not bud again, the spike looks healthy but the dormant season is approaching, cut the entire stem just 2.5cm above the base of the plant itself, making sure to cut above any knots present.
When the cob is not healthy, cut it just above the node.
For diseased or withered orchid leaves, you may choose to cut only the affected part. If most of the leaf is affected, cut it off entirely just above the base of the plant.
Know that the roots of an orchid should only be pruned when you are about to repot.
Traditionally, repotting is not done more than once a year after the orchid has bloomed for the last time before the dormant period.
Cut off any dead or rotting roots before repotting in sterilized potting soil. Avoid watering your orchid for at least two days to allow cuts to heal. In the meantime, you can increase the humidity of the ambient air if it is dry.
If you notice that some of the stems are brown, yellow or dead, it's time to prune them to reduce the stress on the plant. In addition, affected ears usually do not bud again. For the overall health of the plant, it is better to eliminate them.
Regardless of the variety of orchid, your pruners should be sharp. Their precision will ensure a clean cut. Therefore, you will have a healthy and vital plant.
When the Phalaenopsis orchid has fully bloomed and all the flowers have faded, you can proceed to major pruning. Most orchids go dormant in the fall, so pruning your orchid in winter is not the best time of year.
Cut the stem that bears the flowers about an inch (2.5 cm) from the main stem neatly and evenly. If there are spots on the stem that have turned yellow or brown, cut them off completely so that the plant regrows healthily.
Remove the orchid from its pot and remove any dead or damaged roots. Replant in a larger pot each year so it has more room to grow.
If your orchid is quite young and you want to encourage it to develop larger roots and flowers, cut the stem back to within an inch (2.5 cm) of the base of the plant. As it regrows, the roots will grow stronger, the leaves and flowers more vigorous.
As for the Dendrobium orchid, its size differs a little. Cut the flowers as they fade but leave the stem. Next year the plant will flower on the same stem. Cut the roots and repot as usual.
