Should You Cut Back an Orchid After It Blooms? Pruning Methods and Repotting Tips
Orchids are perennial herbaceous plants in the genus Phalaenopsis of the family Orchidaceae, known as the "gentleman among flowers," elegant in form and extremely easy to grow, deeply loved by people. However, an orchid's bloom is only the beginning of its flowering period, and many flower lovers may face the question of how to properly handle care after the flowers fade. In fact, the way to handle an orchid after it finishes blooming is not complicated, and with just a few simple steps, you can get it to bloom again.
1. Prune Promptly
After an orchid finishes blooming, the spent flowers consume the plant's nutrients and affect its healthy growth. Therefore, we need to prune the spent flowers promptly. When pruning, you can cut the flower stalk from the bottom up at a point 2 to 3 cm from the base, which avoids damaging the orchid's overall shape. At the same time, peel off the sheath covering the outside of the flower stalk. This not only makes the orchid look neater but also reduces the breeding of pests and diseases.
Pay special attention that when pruning, do not cut off the leaves too early. This is because the leaves are the main organs for the orchid's photosynthesis and can provide it with nutrients. Cutting off the leaves too early will affect the orchid's growth. Therefore, when pruning, keep the healthy leaves so they can continue to provide nutrients for the orchid.
2. Fertilize Moderately
Orchids consume a large amount of nutrients during the flowering period, so fertilizer needs to be replenished promptly after flowering.
When fertilizing, we should pay attention to the concentration and amount of fertilizer used. If the concentration is too high, it can easily cause root burn and harm the orchid. Therefore, it is recommended to use rotted organic fertilizer or compound fertilizer to provide comprehensive nutrients. At the same time, follow the principle of "light fertilizer applied frequently" and fertilize in small amounts many times to ensure the orchid can fully absorb the nutrients.
3. Provide Reasonable Care
Besides pruning and fertilizing, reasonable care is also an important part of the period after an orchid blooms. What orchids fear most is direct sunlight; diffused light suits them best. Therefore, in summer and early autumn we should place them in a spot with good ventilation and a suitable temperature, while in winter they can receive full sun.
When watering, be careful to keep the soil moist. What orchids fear most is waterlogged roots from standing water. Therefore, when watering, you must get the degree right, satisfying the orchid's water needs while avoiding the problems caused by too much water. Indoor temperatures differ, and so do watering intervals; when the roots and sphagnum moss turn white and the potting soil becomes lighter, that is the state in which to water.
In addition, after the orchid finishes blooming for the year, the flower stalk emerging from the base of the plant should be cut off promptly to prevent nutrient consumption. When repotting, choose a pot of moderate size and make sure the drainage holes are unobstructed so the orchid can drain and breathe normally.
4. Understand the Flowering Period
Different orchid varieties have different flowering periods. Generally speaking, an orchid's flowering period can last 10 to 30 days, but some varieties can flower for 40 days or more, even 60 days. For example, the flowering period of Cymbidium goeringii is usually in February and March and can last about a month; the flowering period of Cymbidium faberi is usually in March and April; while the flowering period of Cymbidium ensifolium can run from July all the way to October.
In short, handling an orchid after it finishes blooming is not complicated. As long as you master the three aspects of pruning, fertilizing and care, you can keep the orchid in a healthy state after it blooms, which helps store enough energy for the orchid to welcome its next magnificent bloom.