How to prune your orchid and when to prune it

Orchids are known for their great beauty and gorgeous flowers, but to keep them healthy and stimulate their growth, proper pruning is important. Pruning orchids not only helps to maintain their shape and size, but also promotes flowering and prevents diseases. In this article, we will give you practical tips on how to prune your orchids and when is the best time to do it.

When is the right time to prune?

Most orchids should be pruned after flowering, when the flowers have completely faded. This usually occurs in spring or fall, depending on the variety of orchid you have. Wait until flowering is over and the flowers have fallen off naturally before you begin pruning.

Prepare your pruning tools.

Before you begin, make sure you have clean, sharp pruning tools on hand. You can use sterilized garden shears or alcohol-disinfected pruning blades to prevent the spread of disease.

Identify areas to prune

Observe your orchid and look for areas that need pruning. Look for yellowed, dry, wilted or damaged leaves. These are the leaves you should remove during pruning. You can also check the roots for those that are dry or rotten.

How to prune leaves and roots?

To prune the leaves, be sure to cut close to the base of the plant. If a leaf is completely yellowed or dried out, cut it from the base. If it is only damaged or wilted, cut only the affected part, leaving a small healthy portion to allow the plant to recover. If you find dry or rotten roots during pruning, use a sterilized tool to cut them off. Be sure to cut off only the dead and rotten parts, leaving the healthy roots intact. This will help the plant absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.

After pruning, be sure to give your orchid proper care. Provide the right amount of light, temperature, humidity and watering according to its needs for it to grow and develop nicely and beautifully.