Pruning Orchids With Five Easy Steps

Pruning orchids is indeed very important once itleaves are also a sign of unhealthy orchids. But
has started to flower especially if you want tobefore anything else, see to it that you have
promote a new growth. Pruning also ensures thatinstructions on hand before you attempt to do
your plant will be healthy and will bloomany pruning. Substantial information about pruning
repeatedly. Majority of novice orchid growers canthe orchids are available online or from your local
be very nervous about pruning their plant becausegreenery.
they are scared that they will damage the plant.Step 3 - Make Sure that You Have the Right
Pruning your orchid doesn't have to be a difficultPruning Tools at Hand
task especially if you will follow the following stepsWhen you are ready to do the pruning, it will
listed below.always be best for you to have the correct tools
Step 1 - Right Timing for Pruningto help you do the job. The most important tool
The perfect timing for pruning your orchids shouldthat you will need is a pair of scissor style
be when the orchids are dormant and there aresecateurs. This tool will prune the stem efficiently
no more blooms. The best time to do this usuallywithout causing any damage or harm to the plant.
falls during the months of October andWipe the secaterus with a diluted bleach solution
November, generally in early October to lateto disinfect it. Protect your skin by wearing sterile
November. If you fail to prune during thesegloves.
months, you'll miss the chance to get pruningStep 4 - Know the What and Where to Prune
done and your orchid will once again start toBefore you begin pruning your orchid, you should
bloom. However if your orchid is not pruned itknow the proper way of how to prune it. You
may not have a new growth.can start by cutting back the actual orchid branch
The timing for pruning can depend on the varietywhere the flower stems instead of cutting the
of orchid. This is especially true among the kindssupporting stems. Cut about a quarter of an inch
of orchids that flower a lot of times during theaway from the stem node. But be sure you
entire year. But the rule of the thumb is, if youknow what particular kind of orchid you are
are not certain of when to prune, do the pruninggrowing because certain orchid varieties will
during the months of October and November.require different method of trimming.
Step 2 - Identify the Type of Your OrchidStep 5 - Check the Orchid Roots
Different orchid groups are individually unique asCheck the roots of the orchid while pruning.
far as growth and flowering is concerned. ForHealthy roots will have a green or grayish film and
novice orchid growers, they must look at thelook agile. If the roots of your orchid plants are
phalaenopsis orchid variety. This variety will requirebrown, brittle and mushy, then you should
pruning the moment the flower will begin tocautiously trim it to allow a new growth.
exhibit signs of wilting. However, there are otherSo you see pruning is not that difficult. All you
varieties of orchids that will require pruning whenhave to do is follow these simple steps and you're
they show some signs of unhealthiness such ason your way to growing healthy orchids.
turning brown of the stems of your orchid. Yellow