When To Cut Orchid Plants Learn How To Prune An Orchid

When the Phalaenopsis orchid is completely done blooming and all the flowers have faded, you can do the major pruning. Most orchids will go dormant in the fall, so plan on doing your pruning then. Trim the stem that had the blooms on it off about an inch (3 cm.) away from the main stalk.

Where do you cut an orchid after the flowers fall off?

After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.

Can you start an orchid from a cutting?

Although most orchids won't grow from cuttings, some members of the Dendrobium genus will produce new plants from stem cuttings. The Noble Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile) is one such species. Grown as a houseplant, it provides an impressive display of flowers from late winter to early summer.

Should you cut off old orchid leaves?

Whether it's a suspected disease or damage that isn't healing but instead seems to be rotting, you want to cut the leaf from the plant. But you want to make sure you use a sterile knife or scissors. ... It's also important that you don't just cut your plant anywhere, since it might damage your orchid plant further.

How do you take care of an orchid for beginners?

On a basic level, most orchids need the following to survive:

A well-draining growing medium.
At least six hours of indirect sunlight (bright shade) a day.
Moist, but not waterlogged, soil.
Once-a-month fertilizer feedings (quarter strength)
A humid environment.
Pruning, as needed.

How long does it take for orchids to rebloom?

It takes a month or two, or even several months for Phalaenopsis orchids to rebloom. Many other varieties of orchids bloom annually. The anticipation and eventual reward of an emerging flower spike bedecked with tiny buds are so exciting.

Do you water an orchid after the flowers fall off?

During their post-flowering rest period, reduce watering. If you overwater these varieties, they may rot and die. Phalaenopsis and Vanda orchids don't have pseudobulbs to store water, so you should water them thoroughly when the potting mix is nearly dry to keep them from completely drying out.

Will an orchid grow a new stem?

However, of all the orchid species only Phalaenopsis will grow shoots off the same stem when the stem is cut above a nod or eye. ... This does happen, but after you cut the stem all the way back the plant should produce another shoot from its base. Be patient, as it can take several months to see this new growth.

How long do orchids live for?

With good care and regular maintenance, an orchid plant may live for a lifetime — 100 years, or more.

Do you cut off dead orchid stems?

It is but normal for any Orchid plant to have wilted and dry stems. When this happens, you only have to cut off those dry and dead stems. Old and dead stems of Orchids will only affect the health of the entire plant because dead tissues will be a breeding ground for pests, insects, bacteria, and fungi.

Should I remove yellow orchid leaves?

Don't remove them from the plant yourself! Some people remove them because the look of yellow leaves is unsightly. Manually removing the leaves from your plant increases the risk of diseases. It's essentially like creating an open wound on your plant.

Do orchids like tight pots?

Orchids like to be snug in their pot and the ratio of roots to potting mix should be about equal. ... Instead of growing more roots to fill the space the roots stay wet, the potting mix stays soggy, and the health of the orchid deteriorates.

Can an orchid survive with no leaves?

Orchids may for some time live without its leaves but they will grow slower compared to having leaves. Like any other plant, the leaves of an orchid play an important role in the photosynthesis process. When orchids produce new growth, leaves start to fall off. Some may even lose a few leaves after blooming.

How do I keep my orchid blooming?

Move your orchid to a cooler area where the temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your orchid in indirect sunlight at all times. Do this until a new flower spike emerges. Once a flower spike has emerged, give it a couple months for the plant to reach about 5''.

Do you water orchids from the top or bottom?

When you water, water thoroughly: The water should pour out from the bottom of the pot. ... Never let the pots of orchids sit in water for over a few hours: If the orchid pots have saucers, make sure to keep them free of water.

Should you mist orchids?

Misting gives the orchid more humidity but does not create a soggy root environment. It is best to put your orchid where it will receive medium indirect sunlight. ... To ensure bright blooms and a healthy plant, use a potting mixture and a fertilizer that is specifically designed for orchids.

How do I get my orchid to spike a new flower?

To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We've had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren't as warm.

What does a new orchid spike look like?

Quite often, Phalaenopsis orchids will send up new leaves and new roots shortly before producing a new flower stalk. ... Flower spikes are usually greener than roots and have a flatter, mitten-shaped tip. While growing, spikes remain green along their full length.

What time of year do orchids bloom?

Most orchids grow during the summer and bloom in the fall, winter or spring. Knowing the season that an orchid blooms helps alleviate the frustration of feeling like "It's July, why isn't my Phalaenopsis in bloom again now?".

Why are all the flowers falling off my orchid?

A drastic change in temperature, light or humidity can shock the orchid, making its flowers and buds fall off. Older orchid flowers fall off naturally once they're done blooming, starting from closest to the crown towards the tip of the spike. They should fall off one by one.

Do orchids need to be repotted?

Orchids generally need to be repotted once a year. The best time to repot is just after flowering, or when new growth appears. You'll know it's time to repot if any of these reasons apply to you: Your orchid has tightly tangled roots.

Do the flowers on orchids grow back?

Fortunately, they will bloom again. In the meantime, you have a few options: ... You can remove the entire flower spike so that the orchid plant can put more energy back into the leaves and roots, helping it to grow stronger and produce a fresh new flower spike.