Orchid Pruning Tips
Orchid pruning, aside from watering and providing sufficient
water and air circulation and light, is another essential activity that you
should never miss as your orchid starts to bloom. Applying orchid pruning will
eventually promote newly and healthy growth which make it possible to produce
constant flowering of your orchid.
Orchid pruning, aside from watering and providing sufficient
water and air circulation and light, is another essential activity that you
should never miss as your orchid starts to bloom. Applying orchid pruning will
eventually promote newly and healthy growth which make it possible to produce
constant flowering of your orchid.
Although it seems to be a simple task, but many novices feel
a bit hesitation when they have to do this. It is the possible harm of the
orchid which makes them worried. To minimize your worry, be prepared and get to
know about some important matters that you should keep in your mind.
First, do it at
the right timing. Orchid pruning is best done while the orchid is in an
inactive stage and stops to flourish. This should be about early October until
the end of November. Do not miss it, since beyond it will be no use. Missing
the right timing will also cause poor blooming, where your orchid probably
blooms once but with the absence of new growth
Second, consider
your orchid type to set the right timing. As a matter of fact every orchid
grows and blooms in its own unique way hence the right timing for orchid
pruning may differ from one orchid to another. For example, phalaenopsis has
its best time for pruning shortly after you see the flowers flop or fall down.
Some other orchids have their best time when their stalks go brown.
If there is any hesitation about the type of your orchid or
timing for pruning, I suggest you to obtain information or on hand instruction
through the internet or ask a local gardener or plant house.
Third, use the correct
tools for pruning. The very basic tool is a pair of small pruning shears (secateurs)
which can be used to effectively cut stems while causing no harm to your orchid.
To avoid plant diseases make sure that you sterilize the secateurs thoroughly
by wiping it with diluted bleach solution. Do not forget to wearing sterile
gloves to protect your skin.
Fourth, how, what
and where to prune. You can start pruning by cutting back the flower stem first
with a distance about a quarter of an inch from the base of the flower stem.
Again, please consider the type of orchid you are going to prune. Some orchid
types need different ways of trimming compared to the others. Check this out
with your local gardener or plant house.
Fifth, check your
orchid roots condition. While doing orchid pruning, it is very useful to
examine the condition of the orchid root. If the roots are healthy they will show
a grayish or green film and is rather swift. If you see that your orchid turns
brown, fragile and soft then you should prune it to give way to new growth
So that’s it, your task of orchid pruning is satisfactorily
done. You see that you just need two small sterilized pruning shears for
cutting and some guts to defeat your fear. Doing this frequently will
eventually makes it more comfortable for you to prune your orchid successfully.
