In the ranking of the most popular orchids for beginners, the wonderful Dendrobium is one of the top favorites. It owes this classification to a combination of breathtaking blooms and uncomplicated care. Read here how to cut the grape orchid correctly.
Green leaves on the Dendrobium should never be removed
Correct incision is based on a simple principle
No other topic in the care of orchid lovers causes as much headache as the cut. How good that a tried and tested rule of thumb serves as a guide. All other rules for the cut line up behind it. How to do it right:
- Never cut off green leaves or shoots on a Dendrobium orchid
- Do not remove flower stalks or leaves until they are completely dead
- Drop or pluck faded flowers
A grape orchid depends on being able to draw in the nutrient residues from its green plant parts. Therefore, wait for this process at the end of the flowering period. Only when a shoot, bulb or leaf has dried up may it be cut.
Cut off leafless stems after flowering or not?
At the end of the flowering period, the leafless and flowerless pseudobulbs rightly raise the question of whether or not they can be cut off now. At this point, the explained rule of thumb provides a valuable decision-making aid. As long as the shoot is still green, it has the potential to flower again. In this case, continue caring for the Dendrobium orchid seamlessly and be patient for a few weeks. If the general conditions are right, the plant puts on its flower dress once more.
Do not cut off aerial roots prematurely
Since the aerial roots are not among the herbaceous parts of the plant, other criteria play a role in the decision about the cut. You can easily determine whether a root strand still contributes to the supply of a dendrobium orchid or whether it has died. To do this, spray the affected aerial root with soft water. If it then turns green again, it must not be cut off.
tips
There is a simple trick you can use to motivate a dendrobium orchid to flower lavishly. When the growth phase is over by the end of August, the night-time temperatures should be lowered by 5 degrees Celsius. This slight fluctuation stimulates the formation of buds in the long term.