Can old Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) plants still be kept? An explanation of why we prune

A flower-growing friend asked: if a Phalaenopsis has been kept at home for several years and is now an old plant, should it be thrown away? And what is pruning all about? As time goes on, a Phalaenopsis gradually enters "old age" after growing for many years and becoming an old plant, its growth vigor weakens.

Old Phalaenopsis plants can absolutely continue to be grown! Although old plants are not as young and vigorous as new ones and may not bloom as readily, as long as you care for them properly they can still enjoy a second spring. If the roots of an old plant turn white and shriveled, don't rush to repot it; first soak it in clean water mixed with rooting powder for half an hour so the roots can drink their fill. If you find the sphagnum moss in the pot has turned black and smells bad, that is a reminder that it is time to change the growing medium. When you change it, gently wrap the new sphagnum moss around the roots; don't press it too tightly, so the roots can breathe freely.

So why should we prune old Phalaenopsis plants? First, cutting off the spent branches left after flowering helps the plant save nutrients. Think about it: if faded flowers and dead branches are left on the plant, they still consume water and nutrients. Cut them off, and the nutrients can be concentrated on supplying the healthy parts, building strength for the next bloom. Second, pruning can stimulate new branches to sprout. Some old plants grow thin, weak branches; keeping these laggard branches is useless, and once they are cut off the plant will put its energy into growing new shoots.

How exactly do you prune? After the flowers have completely faded, don't rush to start; observe for two or three days first. Find the spot1 - 2

10cm long, soak them in rooting water, then insert them into moist sphagnum moss and place them in a cool, ventilated spot. After a while you may well end up with new little Phalaenopsis plantlets - that is like getting a few pots of flowers for free!

So don't give up easily on the old Phalaenopsis at home; master the pruning and care techniques, and the old companion can stay with you year after year. Watching it bloom again brings a real sense of accomplishment!