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5 Quick Steps In Orchid Pruning
Pruning is one of the basic requirements in caring for orchids. It is usually done when the bloom wilts and the stalk turns yellow. Pruning orchids is necessary to encourage new growth and make them healthy. Benefits of Orchid Pruning Pruning orchids serves several reasons that will greatly benefit the plant and the grower. This caring method is done to promote new growth and encourage new bloom. Once the flowers begin to dry and drop off, the stalk turns yellow, this is cut to make your plant look clean and to encourage new growth in the cut spike. However, new growth and new bloom depends on the type of orchid you have. Pruning is also done to remove dead roots to help prevent diseases and damage to the plant. Remove the damaged part of the roots and leaves to ensure long term health of your favorite orchid. Another benefit of pruning orchids is for propagation of some species, usually those that grow in monopodial pattern. Monopodial orchids grow in an upright direction along a single stem, and the roots appear in-between the leaves up the stem. Once the roots have developed in the upper portion, the stem can be cut and repotted to enjoy a new plant. When to Do Orchid Pruning? Pruning is the process of cutting away a damaged or dead part of the plant. In most cases, especially with orchids, pruning is done when the bloom is off the spike and the spike turns yellow. However, there are some orchid types that can rebloom with the same spike, it is best that you know what type of orchid you have so as not to lose the chance of seeing it bloom again. Pruning is also done when repotting. Once you repot, remove the dead parts of the roots to avoid damage and spread of diseases. Make sure the hands are clean and the cutting tools are sterilized before using into other parts to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases. The best time recommended for orchid pruning is usually during October to November, however this timeframe highly depends on the type of orchid you have. 5 Quick Steps in Orchid Pruning 1. Choose the right timing. When you prune, timing is necessary to make the effect of pruning successful. It should be done when the orchid is not actively growing and the blooms are off. If you prune at the wrong time, this may cause your orchid not to grow new shoots and or rebloom. In most cases, pruning orchids is done between the months of October and November. 2. Consider the orchid type Know your orchid type before pruning. Orchids have a wide variety and each type entails uniqueness in caring and growing. Most orchids are pruned when the stalks turn yellow or brown, however there are some orchid types that seem to have unhealthy stem or spikes but are in fact stockpiling nutrients they can use to grow. 3. How to prune Pruning orchids depends on its variety. One option is to cut the stalk within an inch from the part where the blossom stalk has originated. Do this when the blooms are off and it turns yellow. Another option is to trim the end of the stalk to shorten it, but leave an enough part to allow another bloom. Do this by cutting a quarter of an inch above a node. 4. Sanitation When you prune, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, and if you smoke, it is best to use gloves to avoid contaminating the plants. Cutting tools should be sterilized by dipping into a solution of one part bleach and four parts water before you prune. 5. Check the roots When pruning orchids, inspect the roots and remove those that have brown, brittle and mushy appearance to allow new growth to develop. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Sam K. Nyamekye is an orchid enthusiast with considerable amount of knowledge in orchid growing and care. His popular orchid information site provides tips on orchid pruning. For more information and orchid advice please visit: www.orchidgrowingandcare.com/caring-for-orchids |
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