How to prune a Phalaenopsis orchid correctly after the flowers fade

The Phalaenopsis orchid is the most common and most familiar orchid variety. But do you know how to prune a Phalaenopsis orchid after the flowers fade? Let's read on and learn together~

Pruning a Phalaenopsis orchid after the flowers fade

Generally there are two ways to prune: one is if you want it to bloom a second time that same year, the other is to let it rest and recover that year and bloom again the next year. Once the Phalaenopsis flowers fade and wither, we should cut off the spent flowers as early as possible, as this reduces the consumption of nutrients.

1. If you cut the flower stem at the point 4 to 5 nodes up from the base, the advantage is that it can bloom again after 2-3 months. The disadvantage is that the plant consumes too many nutrients this way, which is not good for its growth the following year.

2. If you want it to produce good flowers again the next year, it is best to cut the flower stem off at the base.

In addition, besides cutting the flower stem, we also need to pay attention to this: when the Phalaenopsis potting medium ages, it should be replaced in good time, otherwise its air permeability worsens, which will cause root rot and weaken the plant's growth or even kill it.

Generally, repotting in May (late spring and early summer), when new leaves grow out, is best. When repotting, cut off the rotten roots, sterilize, let them dry briefly, plant them in fresh sphagnum moss, and place in a well-ventilated spot with bright indirect light. After one month you can start applying a dilute fertilizer; orchid fertilizer can be used.

Note: Key points for Phalaenopsis orchid care

1. The Phalaenopsis orchid likes high humidity, but dislikes water accumulating in the pot. Lack of water easily causes the leaves to turn yellow, and it is difficult to save them; water accumulation easily causes root rot. Avoid water accumulating in the leaf crown, otherwise the crown easily rots. You can sprinkle water around the pot to raise the humidity, and use a spray bottle to water the roots directly, just until water flows out of the bottom of the pot. Water when dry and let it dry out between waterings, and never overwater. Once it has bloomed, do not spray water on the flowers.

2. The Phalaenopsis orchid dislikes direct sunlight and likes bright indirect light. (The editor generally moves it to the north balcony in summer, and in winter moves it to the south bedroom, one meter away from the balcony. The sun from nine to eleven in the morning can shine on it for a while; winter sunlight is not harsh, so it does no harm.)

3. Although the Phalaenopsis orchid likes warmth, it dislikes being kept in a stuffy, closed environment. Good ventilation must be maintained in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Do not shut it up indoors just because winter temperatures are low. (In winter, the editor generally opens the window for one or two hours to ventilate when the sun is bright at noon, but never let the draft blow directly onto the orchid plant.)

4. When growing a Phalaenopsis orchid, never, never, never overwater, expose it to low temperatures, keep it in a stuffy closed environment, or let the potting medium have poor air permeability.