Orchid Pruning and Trimming Guidelines

Most gardeners love pruning

Most gardeners love pruning. Some plant types are pruned regularly to keep them growing in a particular shape but most are trimmed or pruned to remove old growth and give the plant new vitality. Pruning is widely believed to benefit some plants by enabling them to redirect energy into new growth instead of using it to keep old or unhealthy growth alive.

It's relatively simple to prune orchids but it's vitally important to undertake the task at the correct time of the year; and to know exactly where to cut stems. Cutting back too much will result in your orchid struggling to survive and cutting in the wrong place can be a fatal error. How you prune will depend on the type of orchids you have.

How to Prune a Phalaenopsis

If you've been doing a little research on this topic it's possible you've read conflicting opinions on when and how this type of orchid should be pruned. Experienced orchid growers have often experimented quite a bit and have their own way of doing things but if you're a novice grower, it's best to start using commonly recommended practices.

Growers prune this type of orchid for two different purposes. One purpose is to encourage fresh growth and help the plant to develop strength and maintain health. Pruning for this reason should be undertaken at the end of the flowering phase and just when stems begin to change color. To prune, cut the stems just above the second node. Some gardeners choose to cut further down however, err on the side of caution until you become more experienced.

The second purpose for pruning the Phalaenopsis is to encourage a second round of flowers. Pruning the flower stems a little just as the blooms wilt can result in a second flowering. This isn't always the case, but if you want to give it a try, the correct place to cut is about an inch above the top node.

Trimming other Orchids

Many other types of orchids are trimmed rather than pruned. Here are some of the popular varieties and tips for trimming them.

Dendrobiums - unhealthy or dead canes and stalks are removed but you need to take care doing this Dendrobium canes can seem to be dying off but are in fact stockpiling nutrients the plant can use to grow.

Cymbidiums dead growth and unhealthy roots can be removed during the repotting process.

Cattleyas these are not pruned as such unless the plant is diseased. Black marks on the leaves can indicate bacteria which can spread across the plant. In that case, the affected leaves can be removed to avoid healthy ones being infected. It's vitally important to remember to sterilize your tools and avoid spreading the bacteria to other orchids.

Pruning, repotting and generally caring for your orchids may take some time but the chances are you'll be rewarded by an impressive show of flowers.

Orchid Pruning and Trimming Guidelines

By: Lisa Jenkins

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