| Most flowering orchids need to be pruned to | | | | Phalaenopsis. Leaving that little part behind |
| maximize the flowers that they can have. Pruning | | | | encourages new growth for the next bloom. Be |
| encourages new growth because nutrients no | | | | careful not to accidentally cut into the main stem. |
| longer have to be sent to old or dying tissue; | | | | Sterilizing the cutting shears is a good practice. |
| they are available to new buds and sprays. | | | | Just in case you work with an infected plant, |
| Phalaenopsis orchids are also flowering orchids. | | | | sterilizing the tools will prevent infecting another |
| They have a preferred way of having their | | | | plant when using the same tools. |
| flower stems pruned to encourage new growth. | | | | When you are done pruning the orchid's flower |
| The pruning guidelines may vary for different | | | | stems, take a look at the main stem. If the |
| orchids. When in doubt check with your garden | | | | topmost part of the stem is turning brown or is |
| center or your orchid supplier. When Phalaenopsis | | | | drying out, this part can also be pruned. Cut the |
| orchids are pruned properly, they will respond with | | | | stem about an inch above the topmost flower |
| the next set of blooms. | | | | stem. Apply pruning sealer to the just cut stem. |
| It's pretty much straight-forward to know when | | | | Normally you do not want to cut into the main |
| to prune: When the blooms have started turning | | | | stem, but this is the exception. Removing the top |
| brown or drying up. They may even have fallen | | | | of the orchid's main stem will encourage new |
| off the stem already. If they do, prune the | | | | growth over the rest of the plant. |
| flower's stem when it begins to turn yellow. If | | | | A flowering Phalaenopsis is what makes this orchid |
| you are near the end of blooming season, that will | | | | a popular choice. Pruning is a must in addition to |
| normally be around the fall or just before winter. | | | | the watering, the feeding and the lighting |
| Effective pruning requires the right tools. Start | | | | requirements of this orchid. Since pruning will be a |
| with a good pair of garden shears, some bleach, | | | | routine activity, keep your work area clean and |
| water and pruning sealer. The shears and sealer | | | | sterile. If one of your orchids or other plants is |
| can be purchased at your local garden center. | | | | infected, you can isolate the infection without |
| Combine 1/2 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. | | | | affecting the rest of your collection by having a |
| Sterilize the shears by soaking it in the bleach | | | | clean workspace. Pruning should occur around the |
| solution for about 15 minutes and let it air dry. | | | | fall months just before winter. Sterilize any cutting |
| Now you are ready to prune your Phalaenopsis. | | | | tools that you will use. Pruning is usually performed |
| Look for flowering stems that have either lost | | | | to remove the old blooms and stems, but |
| their flowers or where the flowers are just about | | | | occasionally, it can also mean to remove or prune |
| drooping. These stems can be cut at about 1/4 | | | | the topmost part of the main stem if it is dried |
| to 1/2 inch above the main stem. Apply pruning | | | | out or turning brown. For your Phalaenopsis |
| sealer on the just cut stem. Other Orchids may | | | | orchids to do well, proper pruning is necessary not |
| do better with the pruning at the base of the | | | | only to stay healthy, but also to have beautiful |
| main stem, but this is the preferred pruning for | | | | flowers. |