When Time to Cut of Orchid Flower Spike

The orchid is a graceful and luxurious tropical flower. The flowers look like butterflies, which appear to be frozen in the air, fluttering with their wings. The brightness of this plant for a long time pleases others, gives a riot of color, without creating difficulties and without requiring maintenance costs. But, like any flower, it also has its own character that you need to know. One of the nuances is how to properly trim orchids after flowering and when time to cut the spikes correctly so the flower will be able to bloom well continuously.

Enjoy the beauty when it blossoms! If you report that the bud has lost its elasticity, and the stem nearly die, this is the first sign that the flower has a life cycle, and the bud will fall off. But do not rush to ask: how to prune orchids after flowering? There are varieties that do not need to be cut during periods of small dormant plants.

First you have to determine whether your orchids is actually finished flowering forever, this orchid blooms has period lasts from 2 to 6 months, and if the plant is not yet fully bloomed, it cannot be disturbed because it can spoil it. Look at the growing tips: if they are bright green, then maybe the flowers continue to bloom, you just need to get some time. And if the tips begin to dry out, turn yellow or become completely dark – the plant must be cut.

But the beginners mostly have a question: how to prune orchids after flowering and when the exactly time to cut, so it won’t spoil them?

Cut the spike in two ways: partially cut only from the top, the place of the bud, or only at the base.

How to prune Phalaenopsis orchids?

• Wait for the flowers to wilt. Cut the plant only after the flowers have completely wilted. The stem on which the flower is located should also start to turn yellow.

• Look for old, non-flowering shoots. You will see a vertical stem growing out of the widest, greenest spot of the plant, known as an arrow. When you look at the back of the arrow, you will see the lowest part of the stem.
• Please note that this arrow is green or brown. However, the color of the arrow did not matter to determine the state of the arrow itself.
• Such arrows protect young plants during flowering and will not die even if the flowers and stems die.
• You have to make sure that the arrow is old. Ideally, you will see flowers or buds.
• Determine the point where the arrow. Pay close attention to the arrows descending on the pseudo Bulba. Usually the arrow itself was at the top of the pseudo Bulba, protected by a leaf or more.

So, you have seen that the flower dries up and can be easily cut. But here is a thing that is important and should not be forget. Once your orchids have bloomed, don’t cut the spikes. There are species that can bloom again, while completely in unexpected places. After the bud drop, the flower should be left standing for a while. As soon as the branches have dried to the base, then feel free to take the tools and cut them off, leaving about an inch of stump. This distance will protect the plant from damage.

So getting back to our specific questions. when time to cut the spike , if the flowers are still alive? There are cases when the plant has faded several times, and does not dry out and die, it can bloom again and again.

However, the plant has an unaesthetic appearance. The branches become broad and thin. In this case, the best time for pruning orchids after pruning a clean garden. Ans until the plant will no longer bloom, you can cut into 2/3 parts, leaving 5-6 millimeters above the developed bud. Pruning orchids after flowering allows you to make new shoots.

We already know cut the spike can be done after flowering orchids.  Now we need to find ways to help the orchid gain strength after pruning.

Having carried out important work with the plant, it is necessary to orchids has a period of rest, where it will come to its gain strength for new flowering. Sometimes this period lasts several months.

During this process, you can also check the root system and remove brown roots, leaving the good ones that have a gray-green color. But remember, if you take the wrong soil, it can lead to the death of this beautiful plant. It should be watered by using spray occasionally to maintain moisture.

It so happens that in a few months the orchid can make you happy with flowers, but if this does not happen, do not be angry! The appearance of the new inflorescences can wait a little later. It depends not only on how to cut the orchid after flowering, but also on the variety, and on the state of flowers. If you can’t wait for the flowers, you can try to speed up this. For this it is necessary to create artificially conditions for the rest of the plant.

• First of all, you need to lower the temperature, which should not exceed 16-17 degrees at night, and 24 degrees in day time. The second is to keep away from heating devices, but still needed exposure the partial sunlight. Don’t forget, this is a tropical plant! But the strong wind is the enemy, so keep your orchids away from open windows. The optimal place is the window sill: good lighting and a well-regulated temperature.

• In order to grow this magnificent flower, you need to learn a few rules. You need to know exactly the varieties of orchids. In a good flower shop they will not sell plants only, but also tell you what varieties they are, teach the basics of planting, rules of watering, the period of vegetation, at least the approximate period of activity and rest, how to cut orchids correctly after flowering, how to transplant. But the most important thing in this matter is commitment to care for these luxurious flowers. In the flower life cycle is a very important rest period, that is, the time after the end of flowering.