| Orchids are delicate and have little foliage and | | | | the roots. Once again, do not cut off roots unless |
| blooms and because of this very little orchid | | | | they are brown, shriveled, and rotting. When |
| pruning will ever be necessary. | | | | cutting the roots, cut off small pieces, and if a |
| The reason for orchid pruning is to remove | | | | piece is cut that appears to be still alive, stop at |
| non-productive parts of a plant that will in turn | | | | once. After pruning roots, water plentiful with |
| give more nutrients to the rest of the plant. So, | | | | water that is not too cold or too hot. |
| remove only diseased parts, or dead blooms, | | | | Orchid pruning should only be done while the plant |
| leaves, roots, and stems. | | | | is in its rest state. This is also the best time to |
| Because of a process called trans-location in which | | | | re-pot your plant. If an orchid is pruned during its |
| dying parts of plants continue to feed the healthy | | | | growth cycle, there is a risk that the plant will go |
| parts by moving nutrients, it is important not to | | | | into shock or be damaged permanently. |
| prune parts of the plant that is still feeding it. | | | | Orchid pruning is best done with a clean sharp |
| Do not cut healthy leaves off of an orchid. If | | | | blade. I recommend using a scissor type pruning |
| there is any flesh left in a leaf or stem of the leaf | | | | shear. Sterilize the cutting tool used after each |
| it is still transferring nutrients to the root system. | | | | plant before using it on another. This is because |
| Instead wait until the leaves have yellowed and | | | | fungus and bacteria can easily be spread between |
| withered to the point you can remove them by | | | | orchids. I also recommend hands be washed |
| pulling them slightly. | | | | between handling each plant to reduce the chance |
| Orchid pruning also includes cutting the flower | | | | of spreading disease and fungus. |
| stem or spike. Please do not prune the stem | | | | Orchid pruning will allow orchids to increase the |
| unless it is completely dry and crispy to the touch. | | | | process of photosynthesis and thus grow greener |
| How far to trim the stem depends solely on the | | | | leaves and more beautiful blooms. Pruning is an |
| species of plant. More specific information about | | | | important part of keeping an orchid healthy and |
| the species of the plant is needed. I will give those | | | | vibrant. The benefits of orchid pruning will be |
| details in later articles about specific species. | | | | easily seen during the next growing season. |
| In addition, proper orchid pruning includes trimming | | | | |