By: Peter Baxter
Submitted: 2010-08-28 09:00:39 | Word Count: 512
Orchid pruning - 5 Steps
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Step 1 - Get the timing proper
Any pruning should be carried out throughout the dormant phase when any blooms have died and also you're completely sure that no more will appear. The ideal time to do that is between the months of early October and late November. Suspending this vital job until later on is just not a good idea as the orchid will then re-enter its energetic progress part which means that pruning it may truly inhibit new growth.
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With some varieties, it might be okay to prune at other times, particularly with the types that flower quite a few times in a single year. Until you might be certain however, it is best to err on the aspect of warning and limit this to the interval recommended above.
Step 2 - Know your orchid selection
All the time do not forget that numerous groups of orchids exhibit individual characteristics the place growth and flowering are concerned. For instance, the phalaenopsis selection needs to be pruned once the flower starts to point out signs of wilting, however with different types, you will want to wait until the stem begins to brown. Read the directions specific to your plant beforehand or seek the advice of knowledgeable workers at your local garden centre.
Step three - Get the fitting tools
Pruning is finest executed utilizing metal scissor-style secateurs as these pare the stem effectively without inflicting any shearing stress upon it and causing it damage. Since orchids are extremely vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections, it is strongly recommended that you simply thoroughly sterilise the secateurs by wiping with a dilute bleach solution. Carrying sterile gloves is another good protective measure.
Step four - Know the place to prune
Basically, you need to cut back the actual branch of the orchid from where the flower stems slightly than the supporting stem itself. Chopping to inside a quarter of an inch from the stem node is sufficient. Once more, take care to be familiar with your particular orchid selection as this will likely have an effect on the place you prune (e.g. dendrobiums sprout buds from their stems so will need to be trimmed in another way).
Step 5 - Check the roots
While you carry out a pruning session, with some orchid varieties, it will also be helpful to check the state of the roots too. People who look supple and green or with a greyish film are wholesome and ought to be left properly alone. These which might be mushy or brown, brittle and desiccated needs to be carefully removed to permit for brand spanking new growth.
That actually is all there may be to it. So don‘t worry, get out those secateurs, chop away all the lifeless bits and give your orchid a new lease of life for the season ahead.
