subject: Pruning Your Orchid Successfully [print this page] Not every orchid grower prunes their orchids and indeed, some orchid varieties don't require pruning at all. Instead they are trimmed which is simply the process of removing death or unhealthy growth. The variety of orchids most frequently subject to pruning is the Phalaenopsis. Orchid pruning is no more difficult than pruning any other type of plant but it's important to choose the correct time of year and ensure you don't remove too much of the growth.
Why prune? When it comes to the Phalaenopsis, there are two reasons growers prune their plants. Many growers believe that like other plants, the Phalaenopsis benefits by pruning because it reinvigorates the plant by allowing it to redirect its energy towards new growth, rather than use it to maintain parts of the plant that might be struggling. It's thought to result in stronger and healthier growth over the following season.
Another reason people prune this variety is because it's often capable of producing a second flowering if the stems are trimmed just a little after the plant's flowers have wilted.
Cymbidiums and Cattleyas aren't really pruned they're trimmed. The purpose of doing so is to snip off dead sections of the plant or roots. This is often undertaken when the grower is in the process of re-potting or propagating their plants.
Dendrobiums are also trimmed by snipping off dead canes and stalks although this is an exercise that requires caution. On some plants, the canes are capable of flowering again, and on others, canes that seem to be dead are in fact holding important nutrients the plant will need for its growing phase.
It's generally recommended that the best time to prune or trim orchids is once flowering has finished. If you have a plant with diseased leaves, and the problem seems to be spreading, make an exception and remove the affected leaves immediately.
How to Prune a Phalaenopsis
To trim a Phalaenopsis for the purpose of encouraging a second flowering, wait until the blooms have wilted then trim the flower stems about an inch above the top node.
To prune this plant for the purpose of stimulating its growth and strengthening the plant, trim the stems near the base, just above the second node. Some growers recommend cutting even closer to the base but until you gain some more expertise, it's better to stick with procedures that are more commonly recommended and less likely to result in you making an unfortunate error.
When pruning or trimming orchids, it's important to sterilize any cutting implements you're using. Bacteria and disease spreads very easily from plant to plant so sterilize before commencing and after trimming each plant.
When it comes to orchid pruning, if you're ever uncertain about where to cut or how much to remove, it's always best to err on the side of caution. If you remove too much you may be disappointed when your once lovely orchid suddenly seems to be struggling to stay alive.
