How Often Should You Prune Phalaenopsis Orchids?

Phalaenopsis Blooms

• Phalaenopsis orchids produce blooms once each growing season on an initial stem. Pruning during or before bloom leaves the orchid weak and likely to produce fewer flowers, as well as making the plant more susceptible to diseases and infections. Pruning after the blooms have dropped is the best way to encourage a second set of blossoms, although the timing of post-blossom pruning is crucial for keeping the butterfly orchid from going dormant before flowering again.

Post-Bloom Pruning

• Once butterfly orchids are mature, they are capable of producing blossoms twice in a growing season. After the first set of blooms drop, prune the orchid immediately. Cut the stem back with a sharp, clean knife or pair of gardening scissors. Make the cut just above a flower bud on the stems of the phalaenopsis orchid. It may take several weeks for the orchid to blossom again. Continue to fertilize and water the orchid.

Seasonal Pruning

• After the phalaenopsis orchid produces its second set of blooms, it enters a brief dormant period to recover from a prolonged growth period. Forcing blooms more than once per growing season weakens the orchid and makes it less likely to put out flowers the next year. After the second set of blossoms, the butterfly orchid stem turns brown or yellow as the roots draw in nutrients. Once the stem turns yellow, trim it back to a few inches to prevent the growth of disease.

Storing Dormant Orchids

• Phalaenopsis orchids will cease growing for a few months after their second set of flowers drop. Remove leaves and flowers from the container and store the orchid in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight or excess moisture. Water and fertilize the orchid lightly throughout its dormant period to keep the roots healthy. The phalaenopsis orchid starts producing new growth in the following growing season. Pruning a phalaenopsis orchid twice each growing season keeps the orchid healthy and blooming.