How often you should cut your orchids depends primarily on the species. In view of the almost 30,000 orchid species, this could become confusing and tricky for hobby gardeners. How good that there are comprehensible basic rules for cutting care. Read this tutorial on when and how to properly prune your orchids.

Old, dried roots should be removed regularly

Table of Contents

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  1. Single stem orchids
  2. Multi-shoot orchids
  3. Cut off dried stems
  4. Lazy orchids
  5. pluck leaves
  6. Clean out the root ball
  7. Cut aerial roots
  8. Cut off children
  9. Pruning garden orchids
  10. treat cuts
  11. tools and accessories
  12. frequently asked Questions

    13. Pruning single stem orchids

    Some of the finest indoor orchids thrive as single shoots. These species include the furious Dendrobium, also known as grape orchids. The tropical beauties only display their flowers once on each shoot. This makes cutting care very easy. This is how you cut single-shoot orchids in an exemplary manner:

    • The best time is after all withered flowers have been shed
    • Use a sharp knife or bypass scissors
    • Cut off the faded shoot 1 to 2 cm above the base

    Concerned about cutting off a leafless and flowerless stalk? Then just wait until the orchid pulls in the shoot from tip to base. Removing completely dried plant parts also reduces the risk of infection and pest infestation to a minimum.

    Pruning multiple stemmed orchids

    When orchids thrive on multiple shoots, special pruning is required. With Phalaenopsis species and varieties, the undisputed leaders in the ranking of popular indoor plants belong in this category. In addition, magnificent Venus slippers (Paphiopedilum) and various Oncidium species are presented as multi-shoot orchids. This is how you complete the perfect cut care:

    • Wait for wilted flowers to drop
    • Cut back faded stems by a third
    • Ideal point of intersection: just above the 2nd or 3rd eye from below

    A green stalk can surprise you with new flowers up to three times. However, some orchids challenge the gardener's patience. Depending on location and time of year, it may take several months for new buds to develop. After three reassemblies, however, the blossom festival is finally over. The entire shoot dries up and can be removed at the base.

    Revolver bloomers - non-stop blossoming

    A brief excursion into their botanical attributes explains why the orchid species mentioned benefit from the recommended pruning care. Phalaenopsis or Oncidium are called revolver bloomers. The orchids produce their flowers tirelessly, as if shot from a pistol. Once a bud has unfolded on the stem, the shoot will grow a little further to present the next flower bud. Under ideal conditions, the flowering period extends over months or years. Where a shoot is juicy green, there is a good chance that buds and flowers will soon form.

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    Pruning activates dormant buds

    It is not reserved for trees and bushes to create a number of sleeping eyes as floral reserve posts. Popular orchids, such as Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, also have the ingenious ability. Dormant buds are mostly located below the lavish flower spikes. Visible as a slight thickening along the stem, dormant buds are usually activated by a cut. By cutting off faded panicles, a sap build-up is created, which acts as a wake-up call for the tiny bud sites.

    Always cut off dried flower stalks

    One basic rule applies regardless of whether the orchids are single or multiple: always cut off dried stems.

    Once a former flower stalk is brown and dry, floral life will never pulsate here again. Cut the stem off at the base without hesitation. Have you discovered a dried-up brown side shoot on the green main shoot? Then please cut off only the dead part and leave the green main shaft. With good care, there is a good chance that the orchid will decide to plant flowers at this point.

    Pruning lazy orchids

    With a few blooms here and there, neglected orchids are a shadow of themselves Cut into green shoots be beneficial. By boldly cutting off the faulty stems, you breathe new life into a lazy orchid. Place scissors or a knife at the base of the shoot.

    The cut clears the way for a new, strong flower stalk. In addition, we recommend a well-measured dose of orchid fertilizer with valuable nutrients in the luggage.

    tips

    Orchids do not tolerate conventional flower fertilizer. The high salinity makes it difficult for the epiphytic flowers. By administering a special orchid fertilizer, you can get the exotic blossom festival going after a revitalizing cut. Liquid fertilizers are well suited because they are simply added to the watering or immersion water every 14 days. Don't fertilize your orchids while they are dormant.

    Pluck wilted leaves better

    In principle, orchid leaves are not cut. In the course of natural aging, individual leaves turn yellow, shrivel and dry up. You should not intervene in the process because the remaining nutrients are transferred to the roots. Only when a leaf is completely dead can it be removed. How to proceed professionally:

    • Lush green leaves not tear off or cut off
    • Remove retracted, unmistakably dead orchid leaves
    • Grasp the sheet between thumb and forefinger and release with a slight pull

    Leaf damage to orchids can occur for a variety of reasons. Sunburn, cracks due to drought and heat build-up on south-facing windows are among the most common causes. As long as the damage is limited to local areas and does not spread further, a leaf should not be removed. Any cut in healthy leaf tissue attracts pathogens that use lacerations as a welcome entry point.

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    Breather is normal

    It's not uncommon for orchids to take some time off after pruning. For a few weeks, the flower beauties simply do not show any sign of life. This is no cause for alarm. Rather, the lull signals that the exotic flower is in a phase of regeneration. Over the course of a few weeks or months, popular orchid species and varieties gather new strength for a new flowering period. Do not throw away seemingly dead Phalaenopsis and conspecifics. Water less and do not apply fertilizer until a new flower stalk sprout.

    Clean out the root ball

    Orchids should be repotted every two to three years. Switching to fresh substrate and a larger pot revitalizes the willingness to bloom in the long term. If the root network lies on the table without substrate, prudent gardeners do not miss the opportunity for a thorough cleaning action. How to skilfully clean orchid roots:

    • Repot the orchid, shake off the substrate or rinse off
    • Cut out rotten-brown, soggy roots
    • Stabilize the affected root with one hand
    • Take a knife or scissors in your other hand and cut cleanly

    Do you feel compelled to cut out several roots with white coating or black spots from the braid? Then please exercise special care, because fungal pathogens are rampant. Disinfect the blade with alcohol after each cut so that no spores are transferred to healthy tissue.

    Finally, place the cleaned root ball in a new culture pot with fresh orchid soil. If the previous container offers enough space for the reduced root network, it should be cleaned with hot water and Sagrotan beforehand.

    tips

    Are you struggling with stubborn aerial roots when repotting? Then prescribe the unruly root strands a warm water bath. Soak the roots in soft, room-warm water for a few minutes. For a short time, the aerial roots are pleasantly flexible and can be integrated into the pot and substrate.

    Cutting aerial roots - when and how?

    When orchids with long aerial roots gesture in all directions, concerned gardeners hastily reach for scissors. The long tentacles are often perceived as unaesthetic and annoying. However, a cut needs to be well thought out, because aerial roots fulfill important tasks. The following overview summarizes the conditions under which a cut makes sense:

    • Healthy, juicy aerial roots not intersect
    • Cut off damaged, diseased, dried up or dead root strands
    • Cut away soggy roots covered with black dots at the base

    It sometimes takes a practiced eye to distinguish healthy from diseased or dead aerial roots. A silvery-white, dried root is not always lifeless. A moisture test eliminates any remaining doubts. Spray the orchid root in question with decalcified water and wait a few minutes. If the aerial root turns green, it is not a case for the scissors. On the other hand, there are no doubts about the need for pruning in the case of rotten-brown root strands.

    Cut off the rooted child

    Phalaenopsis amaze us when new leaves and tiny roots sprout at the top of the faded shoot. Older orchids like to produce their offspring in this way. Epidendrum, Dendrobium and Calanthe also inspire with the floral phenomenon. Orchid gardeners also refer to the Kindel as Keiki. Anyone who hastily grabs a knife or scissors is depriving themselves of the joy of a new butterfly orchid. When and how to clip an orchid keiki is summarized in this overview:

    • Wait until at least 2 leaves have grown and roots are 2-4 cm long
    • Until then, support the shoot with Keiki with a stick
    • Carry out normal care program
    • The best season for separation is spring
    • Cut and pot the children

    It is not absolutely necessary to separate mother plant and cuttings. As long as both are healthy and vigorous, the orchid duo offer a picturesque spectacle during flowering. However, if the stalk on which a keiki is standing turns yellow, you cannot avoid a separating cut.

    Prune garden orchids like perennials

    In the near-natural garden, hardy orchid species shine with their lush flowers well into autumn. In contrast to sensitive indoor orchids, orchids, orchids, Stendelwurz and yellow lady's slipper have adapted well to the Central European climate. When it comes to pruning, the same rules apply as for native perennials. How to properly prune garden orchids:

    • The best time is before the first frost
    • Only cut off leaves and shoots when they are dead
    • Cut garden orchids in the pot back to ground level and put away

    Please do not leave clippings in the bed. Pathogens like to use the fleshy leaves as winter quarters. A protective layer of leaves and twigs is recommended to drain winter moisture away from the roots.

    treat cuts

    Cuts on orchids offer germs, bacteria and fungal spores an ideal target. There is also a risk if you cut a dead stem. You slow down cunning pathogens and pests by treating open wounds in a timely manner. The following home remedies have proven themselves in practice:

    • Dab cuts with pure charcoal ash
    • Alternatively sprinkle with cinnamon

    Unless you operate a charcoal grill, purchase activated carbon powder. Also known as medicinal charcoal, numerous drugstores and health food stores offer the black powder at a reasonable price. Activated carbon powder is made from organic substances and is useful as a cleaning agent, in men's cosmetics and to prevent infections of all kinds. Applied to cuts on herbaceous plants, the agent acts as a bulwark against pathogens.

    Tools for orchid gardeners

    With the right tools and accessories, you can concentrate undisturbed on cutting orchids properly. The top premise for professional trimming of orchids is the use of sharp and clean cutting edges. The basic equipment consists of the following components:

    • Sharp knife or scalpel
    • Handy scissors as bypass scissors with two sharp blades
    • Denatured alcohol and rag or candle and lighter

    Do not use knives or scissors until the blades are freshly sharpened and sterile. Denatured alcohol or Sagrotan are suitable for disinfecting. You are on the safe side if you briefly hold the cutting edge in a candle flame and let it cool down.

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    frequently asked Questions

    My orchid has sticky leaves. Should I cut them off?

    Sticky leaves signal that your orchid is under stress. The most common causes are too dry air in the living room and aphids. Strong temperature fluctuations, such as in the vicinity of tilted windows, also cause the damage. A sticky coating is no reason to cut off the leaves. Wipe each leaf with a soft cloth. Spray orchid leaves regularly with room temperature, lime-free water and avoid massive temperature fluctuations in the immediate vicinity of the location. You can fight aphids with the classic soft soap solution made from 1000 ml of lime-free water and 1 tablespoon of soft soap.(44.90€)

    What do I do with faded flower stalks?

    As a rule, you can cut off flowered panicles on orchids quite deeply. An exception applies to orchids with several shoots, such as Phalaenopsis. Types and varieties of this genus should be pruned differently because they can bloom again on faded stalks. Shorten the affected stems by a third. Ideally, the cut is made above the second or third eye with a sharp, disinfected knife.

    Can I cut off aerial roots when repotting my orchid?

    You can cut off disturbing aerial roots. Please keep the size of the cut to a minimum, because aerial roots turn into underground roots when they come into contact with substrate. In this form, they make a valuable contribution to the water and nutrient supply of leaves and flowers. Therefore, when cutting and repotting, make sure that the pot is one size larger than before. Soak aerial roots in lukewarm water. So they are supple enough to be placed in the culture pot.

    After 3 years of magnificent flowering and healthy growth, my Phalaenopsis has wilted, limp leaves. Should I cut off the leaves?

    When Phalaenopsis leaves become soft and limp, it is usually a normal aging process. This is especially true when the foliage also turns yellow and the lower leaves are affected. If, on the other hand, all the leaves wither at once, this is a care problem. After 3 years, the substrate is heavily compacted and exhausted, so that roots are no longer fully functional. Repot the orchid. Take this opportunity to remove only those sheets that can be peeled off without using force.

    The roots on an orchid turn brown but are still firm. What can be the cause? Should I cut off the roots?

    Orchid roots will turn brown but remain firm if you water with too high a salt concentration. A clear symptom of this cause is when the roots further down in the substrate show little to no discoloration. Never cut off the brown, solid roots. The damaged parts can regenerate if you water them with low-lime water and apply an extra low-salt fertilizer.

    My butterfly orchid has such a magnificent inflorescence that the stems are lying on the ground. What to do?

    Two options are available to solve the problem. To stabilize the flower stalk, insert a wooden stick into the pot. Tie the overloaded drive to it at several points. Use a soft, flexible tie material that will not cut into the plant tissue. As a second option, you can cut off the beautiful flower stalk and put it in a vase. In the semi-shady location, the flowers will last for a long time if you change the water regularly.

    The 3 most common cutting mistakes

    Serious mistakes in the pruning leave a chipped orchid without flowers. In the worst case, the royal flower beauty dies off completely.To protect you from the floral nuisance, the following table summarizes the three most common mishaps and has tips for skilful prevention:

    cutting error damage picture prevention
    trimmed green stems and leaves no flowers, total failure Only cut dead plant parts
    cut off all aerial roots Growth depression, failure of the flowering period remove as few aerial roots as possible
    Partially cut orchid leaf brown, rotten leaf margin, disease spread Never cut orchid leaves piecemeal

    tips

    When orchids rigorously keep their flowers under lock and key, a slight drop in temperature can help. Popular species, such as the magnificent Phalaenopsis and opulent Dendrobium, respond positively to an environment that is 3 to 5 degrees Celsius cooler. Within six weeks, flower induction will start, provided all other conditions are right.

Category:

Indoor plants