Prune Your Orchids With Five Quick and Easy Steps

It's very important that you prune your orchids once it's flowered especially if you want to promote new growth and have a plant that is healthy and repeatedly blooms. A large majority of novice orchid growers are nervous about the pruning task, afraid that they will damage the plant.

Pruning your orchid doesn't have to be a daunting task especially if you apply the following five steps below.

Step 1 - Timing Your Pruning Right

When you prune, it should be when the orchids are dormant and there are no more blooms. The best time to do this is usually during the months of October and November, mainly in early October to late November. If you postpone the job, you'll miss the window to get it done and your orchid will once again bloom but it may not allow for new growth.

When to prune can depend on the orchid variety especially with the kinds of orchids that flower many times during the year. However, if you are unsure of when to prune, do it during the months of October and November.

Step 2 - Identify Your Orchid Type

Different orchid groups show an individual uniqueness where growth and flowering is concerned. For starters, look at the phalaenopsis orchid variety. This variety will need to be pruned once the flower begins to exhibit signs of wilting. However, other varieties will have to be pruned when the stems turns brown. Make sure to have instructions on hand before you attempt to do any pruning. You can find information online or in your local greenery.

Step 3 - Have The Right Pruning Tools

When you are ready to prune, it's best to have the correct tools to do the job. The most important tool you're going to need is a pair of scissor style secateurs. This tool will prune the stem effectively without causing damage to the plant. Disinfect the secaterus by wiping them down with a dilute bleach solution. Make sure you wear sterile gloves to protect your skin.

Step 4 - Know What and Where To Prune

Before you begin pruning your orchid plants, you should know how to prune it. How do you prune your orchid? Start by cutting back the actual orchid branch where the flower stems instead of the cutting the supporting stems. Cut about a quarter of an inch away from the stem node. Be sure you take particular care with the kind of orchid you are growing. Certain orchid varieties will be trimmed differently from other orchid varieties.

Step 5 - Check The Orchid Roots

When you prune some orchid varieties, it's best to check the roots at the same time. Healthy roots will have a green or grayish film and look agile. If your orchid plants are brown, brittle and mushy, then you should cautiously do away with them to allow new growth to occur.

As you can see, it doesn't take long to figure out how to prune your orchid plants. All you need are sterilized secateurs to cut away the dead parts to give your orchid a new lease on life for the next growing/blooming season.