Orchid Pruning Will Keep Your Orchid Healthy

In order to ensure that your orchid plant stays healthy and blooming freely it is wise to know how to prune it. Different species will require different ways of pruning. Some will need just their leaves and flowers pruned while others will need pruning care for their roots. You will need to be aware of what your plant needs before you begin, or you will do more harm than good to your plant.

Orchids are divided into two classifications, depending on their growing style. They are either monopodial or sympodial. Monopodial plants will have a single vertical growing stalk. The sympodial type will have new shoots growing from the main rhizome. The way you prune your plant will depend on its type. Some varieties need much more maintenance than others.

Pruning monopodial orchids:
When you prune these plants you will need to pay attention to its leaves, dead blooms and branches. When you get rid of these it will help the plant to bloom better and will improve the overall health of the plant. It is best to prune them in late fall or winter as you will be able to see the brown leaves etc. easier at this time of year. If the plant is a winter blooming variety then you may want to wait until it has finished flowering. Pruning dead flowers will continue throughout the blooming season for all orchids. Getting rid of dead flowers will prolong the blooming season and eliminate diseases. When you prune branches cut them down to about 1" above the blossom stalk source.

Pruning a sympodial type:
When you want to prune a sympodial type of orchid you will need to gently take it out of its pot and prune the roots as well. Pruning is generally done when you repot your plant. Always check that the root system of your plant is healthy when it is time to repot it.
1. Root pruning:
Healthy root growth is seen by a nice green root tip. If you see roots that are dead, dried up or mushy should be removed. You can use scissors or pruners for this purpose.
2. Dividing:
This will be done for sympodial or rhizome type of orchid. Always use a sharp sterilized razor blade or shears for this purpose. It is wise to leave 3 to 5 blooms on each orchid plant.

Tools:
Use scissors a razor blade or pruners for trimming roots and branches etc. a sharp knife are always useful. Try to keep your tools sharp and clean to avoid transporting any disease to the plant and also to avoid damaging it in any way.