How to Prune Phalaenopsis Orchids After Bloom
Today's tip is about how to prune Phalaenopsis orchids after they finish blooming and the care of blooming Phalaenopsis orchids, which is a great piece of knowledge. It's recommended to save it for future reference!
Phalaenopsis orchids bloom from April to June. After the flowers fade, it is usually necessary to prune the flowering stems. There are two methods of pruning: light pruning, which can allow the orchids to bloom a second time that year, and heavy pruning, which conserves nutrients for better growth and blooming the following year. Below, I will introduce in detail the method of pruning bloomed Phalaenopsis orchids and the key points of post-bloom care.
I. Light Pruning
Light pruning involves cutting the stem from the node just below the first set of flowers at the top of the flowering stem, usually at the 4th to 5th node from the base of the stem.
This can promote two blooms in one year. Usually, within 15 to 120 days after pruning, new buds can grow from the top of the stem, then develop new flower buds. However, this pruning method consumes a lot of nutrients and is not easy to recover, which can affect the plant's growth and normal blooming. The next year's blooming will be weaker, so it is usually used for plants with strong roots and leaves.
II. Heavy Pruning
Heavy pruning of Phalaenopsis orchid stems involves cutting off the base of the flowering stem, which helps the plant rest and recover for the next year's blooming.
Usually, after half a year, the plant can produce new flowering stems from the base, which is around December when Phalaenopsis orchids usually produce buds. After another 2 to 3 months of bud development, they can bloom again. Moreover, timely pruning after blooming can prevent the plant from using nutrients to develop seeds, ensuring that with good care, the flowers will be more beautiful and the blooming quantity can be larger the following year.
III. Pruning Precautions
For one-year-old Phalaenopsis orchids, after the flowers fade, heavy pruning can be done first, followed by light pruning the next year. This can achieve three blooms in two years and effectively recover the consumed nutrients.
IV. Post-Bloom Care Tips
After pruning, keep the soil moist and maintain normal care. After the flowers fade and summer arrives, reduce watering and prevent soil from becoming waterlogged. It's best not to fertilize, but for plants with flower buds, phosphorus fertilizer can be applied, depending on the growth condition.
After pruning, check the roots and cut off any dead or rotting ones. If the growing medium is aging, wait until the end of spring next year to replace it.
The above is a detailed explanation of how to prune Phalaenopsis orchids after blooming and the care of blooming Phalaenopsis orchids, for your reference and suggestions only!