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Where is the correct place to prune a Phalaenopsis orchid after its flowers fade?

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This plant gets its name because its flowers are shaped like butterflies when in bloom. It can survive by absorbing nutrients from the air. This plant has many hybrid varieties that people have bred and improved, with a great many colors and distinctive patterns on each one. When visiting the flower market during the Spring Festival, you can see pots upon pots of eye-catching flowers, and among them this plant stands out especially, as it is fairly large and, because its flowers are shaped like butterflies and come in bright, varied colors, it is much loved by people.

I. The first method

1 The blooming period of this plant can last as long as 2 to 3 months. After the flowers of this plant fade, in order to prevent pointless consumption of nutrients, we should promptly cut off the faded flowers, and we should also prune its stems appropriately.

2 If you want this plant to bloom a second time, then after its flowers fade, do not cut off all the flower stems. We can first carefully observe the overall growth of the plant. If both the roots and the leaves are very healthy and strong, then we can keep a few more flower stems and just cut off the part 4 to 5 nodes above the base of the flower stem.

3 You can cut off the first flower or the area near the first branch; the remaining flower stalk still has buds on it, and as long as we care for it diligently, it can still grow new flower buds.

4 But be very careful to prevent it from setting fruit, because once it sets fruit, it will consume far too many nutrients, and this will then affect the growth of the plant. Even if it does set fruit, growing it from the seeds inside the fruit is still very difficult.

5 Forcing a second bloom will greatly affect the growth of this plant, because while we wait for it to bloom a second time, it has to consume even more nutrients. If you plan to add fertilizer, you should also observe the growth of the plant before making your decision.

II. The second method

1 If you want this plant to bloom even more beautifully the following year, then after the flowers fade, you need to cut all the flower stems off right at their base.

2 And after cutting them off, you will have to wait at least until the second half of the year before you can see its newly grown flower stems. During this time, you must care for it well, otherwise if it dies there will be nothing left to enjoy.

3 Besides cutting off the flower stems, for the sake of blooming the following year, you also need to carefully check its root system. Take it out of the pot and examine it carefully to see whether any roots have rotted or dried out; if so, cut them off promptly.

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