How to Cut a Phalaenopsis

An Asian plant also known as moth orchid, Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte species. In the wild, the roots of this flower attach themselves to trees or rocks to draw nutrients and moisture from the air. As a houseplant, moth orchids adapt to growing in a very airy, bark-based medium formulated specially for them. Cut Phalaenopsis flower stalks after the blooms fade. Sometimes, the practice induces the plants to put out a second flush of blossoms in one season.

Shears
Container
Bleach
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Sterilize a pair of shears, soaking the blades in a container with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water for 20 minutes.
- 2
  Prune the flower stalk back to the base of the plant if the foliage is less than 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. Fully developed leaves on a mature plant are 6 to 12 inches long. Phalaenopsis orchids with smaller leaves need to use their energy to grow vegetation before blooming again.
- 3
  Trim the flower stalk on mature plants. Cut at a 45-degree angle at the halfway point between two nodes. If the node below the cut swells a few days later, a new series of flowers is on its way.

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