Proper Care for Orchid Flower Stems After Blooming

After the blooms of an orchid fall off, it's important to know how to properly handle the flower spikes, or inflorescences, to encourage new growth and maintain the health of your orchid. Following the right steps can help your orchid thrive and encourage future flowering.

Identifying the Spike

First, locate the flower spike that held the blooms. This spike is called an inflorescence in botanical terms. Understanding how to handle and care for this spike is crucial for the health and longevity of your orchid.

Determining Where to Cut

Once you've identified the spike, it's time to decide where to cut it:

When to Cut the Spike

-For Brown and Dry Spikes: If the spike has turned brown and dry, cut it back to the base of the plant. This will prevent the orchid from using energy to maintain the dead spike, allowing it to focus on new growth.

-For Green Spikes: If the spike is still green, you can cut it about an inch above the node, which is the small bump on the spike where the last flower was. This method may encourage the orchid to produce new blooms from that node, increasing the chances of reblooming.

Using Clean Tools

To avoid infection and promote a clean cut, it's essential to use sterilized scissors or pruning shears. Regular disinfection will minimize the risk of introducing pathogens to the plant, ensuring that your orchid remains healthy and robust.

Caring for the Plant Post-Pruning

After pruning, continue to provide the right light, water, and humidity for your orchid. Proper care is crucial for the orchid to recover and potentially bloom again.

A Word from the Author

The author of this article had a unique experience with their Paphiopedilum (phaelonopsis) orchid. By accidentally leaving some green flower stems on a plant, they noticed it was reblooming on the same stems. This experience led them to adopt a more selective approach in pruning, only removing brown stems or parts of stems.

They recommend cutting as close as possible to where the stem attaches to the plant, typically about an inch from the plant's base. Using sharp clippers helps avoid crushing the tender stem. Additionally, not cutting immediately can sometimes result in the formation of small cloned plants along the flower stem. Once these plants have enough roots, they can be separated and replanted, offering a chance for new growth and flowers that are clones of the original plant.

By following these steps, you can help your orchid thrive and encourage future flowering. Remember to always sterilize your tools and provide proper care to ensure the best results for your orchid.