| It's very important that you prune your orchids | | | | any pruning. You can find information online or in |
| once it's flowered especially if you want to | | | | your local greenery. |
| promote new growth and have a plant that is | | | | Step 3 - Have The Right Pruning Tools |
| healthy and repeatedly blooms. A large majority | | | | When you are ready to prune, it's best to have |
| of novice orchid growers are nervous about the | | | | the correct tools to do the job. The most |
| pruning task, afraid that they will damage the | | | | important tool you're going to need is a pair of |
| plant. | | | | scissor style secateurs. This tool will prune the |
| Pruning your orchid doesn't have to be a daunting | | | | stem effectively without causing damage to the |
| task especially if you apply the following five | | | | plant. Disinfect the secaterus by wiping them |
| steps below. | | | | down with a dilute bleach solution. Make sure you |
| Step 1 - Timing Your Pruning Right | | | | wear sterile gloves to protect your skin. |
| When you prune, it should be when the orchids | | | | Step 4 - Know What and Where To Prune |
| are dormant and there are no more blooms. The | | | | Before you begin pruning your orchid plants, you |
| best time to do this is usually during the months | | | | should know how to prune it. How do you prune |
| of October and November, mainly in early | | | | your orchid? Start by cutting back the actual |
| October to late November. If you postpone the | | | | orchid branch where the flower stems instead of |
| job, you'll miss the window to get it done and | | | | the cutting the supporting stems. Cut about a |
| your orchid will once again bloom but it may not | | | | quarter of an inch away from the stem node. Be |
| allow for new growth. | | | | sure you take particular care with the kind of |
| When to prune can depend on the orchid variety | | | | orchid you are growing. Certain orchid varieties will |
| especially with the kinds of orchids that flower | | | | be trimmed differently from other orchid varieties. |
| many times during the year. However, if you are | | | | Step 5 - Check The Orchid Roots |
| unsure of when to prune, do it during the months | | | | When you prune some orchid varieties, it's best |
| of October and November. | | | | to check the roots at the same time. Healthy |
| Step 2 - Identify Your Orchid Type | | | | roots will have a green or grayish film and look |
| Different orchid groups show an individual | | | | agile. If your orchid plants are brown, brittle and |
| uniqueness where growth and flowering is | | | | mushy, then you should cautiously do away with |
| concerned. For starters, look at the phalaenopsis | | | | them to allow new growth to occur. |
| orchid variety. This variety will need to be pruned | | | | As you can see, it doesn't take long to figure out |
| once the flower begins to exhibit signs of wilting. | | | | how to prune your orchid plants. All you need are |
| However, other varieties will have to be pruned | | | | sterilized secateurs to cut away the dead parts to |
| when the stems turns brown. Make sure to have | | | | give your orchid a new lease on life for the next |
| instructions on hand before you attempt to do | | | | growing/blooming season. |