Should you cut the stem of your orchid if the flowers are wilting? Tips for better blooming.

Because orchids flourish for months can give the impression that their flowering period never ends, but this is the case. And if you are a novice in terms of orchids you should then ask yourself how to take care of the plant after flowering, and especially if you have to cut the rod.

In general, the orchid rod must be cut, but it must be done at the right time and in the right way to ensure future flowering. Here is what you need to know about cutting orchid stems.

Should we cut the rod of the orchid after the death of the flowers?

Although cutting the rod of the orchid after the end of the flowering period is part of routine care, you must examine your orchid to determine whether to cut the stem right away or wait. The rods that have yellowed or brown must be cut immediately, while the still green stems should only be cut selectively, as described below.

What to do with an orchid after the death of the flowers?

The procedure to follow once the flowers of your orchid are faded depends on the type of orchid you have. Even if you are not sure of the type of orchid, the aspect of the stem will give you indications on what to do.

Unique flowering orchids

The stems of most orchids only flourish once. After flowering, there are no more knots on the stem; The stems dry out and become brown and green.

Cut the whole upper above the base where the rod emerges, using sharp and sterilized scissors or a knife. A pruning sheer. In this way, the orchid plant devotes all its energy to the growth of leaves and roots and to the production of a new rod that will flower.

Renaissant orchids

Phalaenopsis orchids (MOTH) of psychopsis orchids (butterfly), and some orchids orchids dendrobium can potentially reflect. These orchids reflected from the same stem and still have nodes on their rod (s). If the stem is still green after flowering, check that there are no unused nodes (green and plump bumps) on the floral stews.

Cut the rod just above the knot, which can encourage the orchid to produce new points of side flowers. Remove the dry, brown or yellow parts above the nodes and continue to monitor the rod. After several flowers, the stem will eventually become brunette and dry, and you will then have to cut it to the base.

The second flowering is often not as strong as the first and the flowers are smaller. The reflosing also stresses plants that are not strong and healthy. This is why it is better to remove the whole stem, which gives the plant the possibility of flourishing. to recover before the next flowering period.

Size of orchids The size of orchids is roughly divided into four different types, and each of them is carried out at a different time.

The first type of size is to eliminate the sick or damaged parts of the plant; It is essential to do it quickly as soon as you notice a problem, because fungal diseases of orchids can spread quickly.

The second type of size is the current maintenance of the plant throughout the year and consists in removing wilted flowers, dead leaves and aerial roots which are no longer viable, or long and dragging roots in the case of sympodial orchids.

The third type of size is made after flowering to remove the floral stems.

The cutting method of the floral stems of monopodial orchids (orchids with a single rod erect) is different from that of sympodial orchids (which grow horizontally). Always use scissors or a well -sharpened and sterilized prunler.

Monopodial orchids: To cut an entire flowery rod that no longer has knots, make a clear and concise cut, leaving only a peak inch attached to the rod. To partially remove a flowery rod from an orchid that reflects, find the node located under the lowest, exhausted or faded flower. Make a clear and concise cutting of half a pump above this knot.

Sympodial orchids: The floral stews of sympodial orchids are devoid of leaves. You must therefore take care not to cut below the leaves, under penalty of damaging the pseudobulb (which looks like a flower bulb) and reducing flowering the following season. Cut the wilted flower tips just above the first series of leaves on the pseudobulb.