Everything You Wanted To Know About Orchid Pruning But Were Afraid To Ask

The world of orchids is a complex one, and the longer you've grown them

, the more you'll realize they can be more than just a hobby. Some horticulturists have based their careers around the rich histories and care of this stunning plant.

With that said, the task of orchid pruning can be a little daunting if you've never done it before. They can be more delicate and susceptible to disease and infection than other household plants, so extra care is needed. Also, remember that these plants are able to flourish in some unforgiving conditions, such as freezing nights in the rainforests of South America, and the sweltering heat of an Australian summer. So although orchids are delicate - they are survivors.

Orchid pruning is vital if you are to encourage new growth. It will keep the plant healthy, and when done correctly, pruning can considerably reduce the plant's risk of disease.

The most important consideration when pruning orchids is sterilizing the tools that come directly into contact with the plant. Very sharp small shears, a blade, scissors, or something similar will do the trick, but sterilizing them before you use them on your orchid is essential. Wash your tools in a diluted bleach mix, or pass your tools through a flame to kill bacteria or viruses. Clean hands or washed gloves are also recommended when pruning your orchid.

When you purchase your orchid, make sure you ask for advice on pruning for that particular species of orchid. There are tens of thousands of orchid species, and while not every single one has a different set of pruning rules, there are some rules which don't apply to everyone in the orchid family. Once you know what type of orchid you are working with, you can get specific information for that type.

There are some conditions, however, that do apply to all types of orchids. Understanding these will give you a good start.

1. Diseased leaves need to be removed from any type of orchid immediately; do not wait until you are pruning. You'll notice yellow or black spots on the leaves. Remove these with your sterilized tools, and re-sterilize after each cut. This might sound overly fussy, but it's worth the extra effort rather than risk infecting the whole plant.

2. Orchid blooming does not occur in fall/autumn or early winter, so this is when orchid pruning takes place. When you've enjoyed the beauty of the flowers for a season but they're beginning to wilt, it's time to sterilize those shears and get started again.

3. Stalks supporting the blooms of orchids will turn a slightly yellowish-brown, indicating that the flowering cycle is finished. You can trim the stem just below the bulb. This leaves the possibility that new growth will come from that same stem, and possibly sooner than later. New growth from an old stem, however, won't produce a bloom of the same quality as it did the first time. Alternately, you can trim the stem to within an inch (2.5cm) of the main stalk. This allows the orchid to store more energy and produce healthier growth in its next cycle. Never cut healthy leaves from your orchid. It's not necessary and can affect its growth.

by: Simon John Adams

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