How to prune Phalaenopsis orchid flower spikes correctly

After the flowering period of a Phalaenopsis orchid ends, pruning the flower spike not only reduces nutrient consumption, promotes the plant's growth and makes it grow more luxuriantly, but also makes the potted plant look more attractive. So, how exactly should it be done?

Pruning the flower spike of a Phalaenopsis orchid is mainly decided according to individual needs. There are usually two relatively scientific methods for pruning the flower spike:

One method is to cut close to the pot surface, at a distance of about 1 cm from the substrate, cutting directly down to the base. This method of cutting does not require keeping any buds on the flower spike that has already bloomed.

The other method is to count several nodes upward from the base of the flower spike and keep a few buds on the old flower spike, so that the plant can continue to sprout from the old flower spike later on.

But if you keep nodes, you generally need to keep more than 5 nodes, because most of the buds on the old flower spike sprout from the 4th bud or above. And a small number of new shoots sprout and branch starting from the 5th bud.

So, if we want the plant to be able to sprout and branch from the old flower spike, it is recommended to keep 5 nodes, and each node usually has one bud.

At the same time, note that once the buds left on the flower spike sprout and send out side branches, we can cut off the upper part of the old flower spike where no sprouting has occurred. The reason for previously keeping more than 5 nodes without cutting them off is mainly that it is uncertain whether the plant will sprout from the 4th or the 5th bud.

After the buds on the retained flower spike sprout, it is recommended to promptly cut off the upper nodes where no sprouting has occurred, as this can reduce nutrient consumption, so that the new shoots emerging below grow better and can send out branches more quickly.