Pruning orchids
Your orchid is a flowering houseplant. This means that the plant can come into bloom during certain periods of the year. And therefore not during other periods. When your orchid’s flowering period comes to an end, the flowers will fall one by one. This is a natural process.
The stems will also discolor and turn yellow. Don’t throw your orchid away! You can enjoy your beautiful orchid once again. How? By pruning! Because pruning… leads to growth and blooming! Pruning your orchid is the right step toward a longer life for your orchid.
Our grower Rob has all the knowledge about pruning orchids. In this article, he shares his best tips for pruning orchids. Read on! Here it is in short:
✔️ Cut at the second eye
✔️ Prune when flowers have fallen
✔️ Place orchid in a cooler spot after pruning
How should you cut/prune an orchid?
The best way to prune an orchid is by cutting the stem with sharp pruning shears. Where do you cut a finished orchid? → At the second eye!
What is the second eye of an orchid?
The second eye of an orchid is the second thickening/discoloration in the stem starting from the pot. When you prune an orchid because the flowers have fallen and the stem has discolored, you can prune the stems from the second eye. Continue to care for your orchid by watering it normally and keeping it out of the sun, and after a few months you will see your orchid starting to get new shoots with buds again.
Tip | After pruning at the second eye, place your orchid in a cooler room, such as the bedroom. But be careful: still not too cold! The ideal temperature is between 17 and 22 degrees.
Do I also need to prune the orchid leaves?
No, you can just leave the leaves of your orchids as they are. It’s only the stems that you can prune. This way, your orchid still adds a bit of atmosphere outside of the flowering period.
How long does it take before my orchid blooms again?
Depending on the conditions in your home, it may take more or less time before your orchid gets new buds and flowers on the stems. Give your orchid some time, but generally you can expect it to take 2 to 3 months. The more comfortable your orchid feels, the sooner you will see new flowers. Therefore, ensure sufficient light, the right amount of water, and possibly some extra nutrition. If you want to know more about this, read it in our other blogs:
More tips for orchid care?
Did you find this blog educational and do you want to learn even more about orchid care? For example, about the amount of water, the right location, which types of orchids there are, or whether your orchid can stand in the garden? Our grower Rob has given even more tips for the best care of your favorite plant. Read them all here: