How to deal with the flower stem of the butterfly orchid after its blooming period
Comprehensive analysis for you on how to deal with the flower stem of the butterfly orchid after its blooming period, as well as related topics on orchid cultivation methods. Next, the editor will provide you with detailed answers.
Butterfly orchids are very popular during the Chinese New Year, and most of them have finished blooming by now. After the flowers naturally fall off, only a stem is left. Many people don't know whether to cut or keep this stem. In fact, after the butterfly orchid has finished blooming, we should selectively retain the flower stem. Blind pruning can lead to losses, while correct pruning can bring surprises. Today, I'll tell you about these two "surprises".
1. Shortening the flower stem to bloom again
After the butterfly orchid has finished blooming, we can prune from all the positions where the flowers have bloomed, keeping the stem below the bloomed branches. This means cutting off the stem from the position of the first flower all the way down to the base, leaving only a stem. This stem has bud points at each node, and if the temperature and light are suitable, it can grow another flower stem to bloom again. This way, one flower stem can bloom twice, isn't that great?
2. Shortening the flower stem to grow buds
The second pruning method is to cut directly from the position of the first bloomed flower down to the base. The remaining stem has many bud points, which may grow another flower stem to bloom again or new buds from the bottom. These new buds, when grown, become small butterfly orchid seedlings hanging on the stem, absorbing nutrients from the stem to grow. Once they grow roots, they will absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. When they have grown to two large leaves and have at least three roots each about 2-3 centimeters long, we can gently twist off the side bud and plant it in a pot. It will grow rapidly and can bloom after a year or two.
Many people choose to cut the butterfly orchid stem directly from the base after blooming, which will cause it to enter a state of growing new leaves. However, the stem is quite hard and thick, with a high water content and many nutrients. It's best to cut it directly below the first flower after blooming. This way, the remaining stem has a lot of nutrients and is still connected to the entire plant.
How to deal with the flower stem of the butterfly orchid after its blooming period
As long as the stem does not become dry and retract, the bud points on the stem will either grow another flower stem to bloom again or new buds. These new buds can be left to grow and eventually become a small plant. Generally, the seedling can grow quite large after about half a year, with a complete root system, and can then be cut for propagation.
Have you always cut the butterfly orchid directly from the base before? Now, after blooming, don't cut it. Try this method, and you might get two surprises.
The above content about how to deal with the flower stem of the butterfly orchid after its blooming period and related orchid stem treatment methods introduced by Green Plant Enthusiast Network [www.lvzhimi.com] are hoped to be helpful to you!