| The task of orchid pruning should not be feared. | | | | flowers. Any dead or diseased matter left around |
| For some reason most beginners have an | | | | can be a source of infection for your orchid. This |
| unnecessary fear of the act of taking a pair of | | | | is just simply good plant hygiene. This should be |
| secateurs to their prize orchid. This article will help | | | | done all year round as required but with special |
| to relieve that fear by addressing the three main | | | | attention paid during the winter months when the |
| reasons why we should prune orchids. So be | | | | plant is not growing vigorously. |
| brave and move on it really is easy. | | | | A good orchid pruning program should also include |
| Unlike many other plants orchids will need to be | | | | pruning of the plants roots. This is important as |
| pruned at certain stages of their life if they are to | | | | orchids are very prone to fungal infections of the |
| thrive and flower to their maximum. If you | | | | roots. When repotting your orchids you should |
| neglect orchid pruning your plant will not die, but | | | | always check the root system and prune any |
| you will not get the best from your plant in terms | | | | roots that show signs of infection. |
| of overall health and flowering. | | | | Any dead organic matter can be a breeding |
| Before you start cutting anything it is wise to be | | | | ground for pests and diseases such as weevils |
| cautious about hygiene. Orchids can be infected | | | | and fungal infections. Good orchid care should |
| by viruses and cross contamination can occur | | | | include keeping the plant free from potential |
| during pruning. Always disinfect your secateurs | | | | sources of infection. |
| before and after each plant you prune. You can | | | | 3. To Encourage Flowering. |
| do this by simply washing them with a mild bleach | | | | This section will depend upon the type of orchid |
| solution. | | | | you are growing. Some groups of orchids will |
| Three Reasons Why We Prune Orchids. | | | | flower only once per year whilst others may |
| 1. To Shape the Plant and Improve Vigour. | | | | flower many times. Here it pays to do a little |
| Orchid leaves do not usually need to be pruned | | | | further research to get the best orchid flowers. |
| but if your plant is becoming unruly or lop-sided it | | | | As a general rule it is recommended that you |
| is perfectly safe to give it a tidy up with the | | | | prune down the dying flower stalks after |
| secateurs. Like most other plants this also has the | | | | flowering to about one inch from the base. This |
| effect of causing stronger re-growth. Simply | | | | leaves a growth point for next seasons flowers. |
| shape the plant as desired taking care not to | | | | This is usually carried out when the flowers have |
| remove flower stalks and do go on the light side. | | | | died and the stalk is turning yellow and wilting. It is |
| If your plant is in a really bad shape try to | | | | highly recommended that you find out if your |
| improve this over two or three prunings, do not | | | | orchid type has any particular requirements when |
| cut the plant too severely in one go. If in doubt | | | | pruning after flowering. |
| always remember what is most important to | | | | So don't be afraid when it comes to orchid |
| you, a nice shaped orchid plant or one that has | | | | pruning - it is really quite straight forward. If you |
| magnificent flowers in abundance. | | | | start with these guidelines you should enjoy |
| 2. To Remove Any Dead or Diseased Material. | | | | happy, healthy orchids with a multitude of |
| It is very important to remove any dead material | | | | fantastic flowers. Remember with orchids it's |
| from your orchid, including dead leaves, roots and | | | | always about the flowers. |