How to Harvest Orchids

Cymbidiums and Phalaenopsis

• 1

  Choose a cymbidium for a house with warm, sunny west- or south-facing windows. Keep them outdoors in areas where temperatures don't dip below 32 degrees or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 2

  Put cymbidiums in an area of cool temperatures in the fall to help them set buds for winter blooms.

• 3

  Keep phalaenopsis (moth orchids) in areas of high humidity such as bathrooms or next to the sink in kitchen areas.

• 4

  Place phalaenopsis in areas of light shade, where light casts only faint shadows.

• 5

  Harvest spikes of phalaenopsis three to four days after the first two flowers have opened.

Oncidium and Zygopetalum

• 6

  Place oncidiums (spray orchids) in bright sunlight all day or in spots where they receive direct morning sun.

• 7

  Harvest oncidium spikes after two flowers buds have opened at the base.

• 8

  Protect zygopetalums from cold temperatures.

• 9

  Put zygopetalums in bright shade outside or full morning sun indoors to produce the best blooms.

Harvesting

• 10

  Cut the spikes of orchids at the base of the plant with a sharp knife. Sterilize it with bleach before and after using to prevent transfer of bacteria.

• 11

  Cut stems underwater to eliminate air bubbles that can clog stems.

• 12

  Choose spikes with two flowers three to four days after opening. Cutting them off the plant earlier may cause them to develop abnormally.

• 13

  Cut individual flowers from the spike for corsages or boutonnieres. They will last a day with no water but benefit from a water pick filled with fresh-flower solution.

Post-Harvest

• 14

  Put orchid stems immediately into a clean container filled with lukewarm water.

• 15

  Prepare the water with commercial floral preservative or one ounce of Listerine mouthwash per gallon of lukewarm water to prevent bacterial growth, lower the water's pH to improve moisture uptake and provide sugar for respiration energy so buds will develop into flowers.

• 16

  Immerse spikes in water at room temperature after cutting to absorb moisture. Leave the flowers in tepid water for a few minutes before putting them in a clean vase.