How to Prune New Growth on an Orchid

Pruning helps produce healthy orchids with vibrant blooms. Generally, you prune away old growth in the fall. However, if you plan to propagate your orchid plants, you need to prune new growth. The method of pruning new growth depends on the type of orchid. Consider whether you have an epiphytic orchid, which produce aerial roots along the stem, or a terrestrial orchid, which sprouts new growth from a pseudo bulb at the base of the plant.

Pruning shears
Hydrogen peroxide

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the new growth carefully. If you see small roots beginning to grow from the new growth, whether it is a stem or pseudo bulb, it is time to prune. If no roots are showing, wait until they begin to grow before you prune.
- 2
  Clean pruning shears with hydrogen peroxide to remove bacteria. Orchids are delicate plants, sensitive to disease.
- 3
  Cut new growth on epiphytic orchids along the stem of the parent plant. Hold the new growth in one hand, and make a straight, clean cut directly along the stem to remove the new growth.
- 4
  Prune the new growth on a terrestrial orchid by cutting away the entire pseudo bulb that has sprouted next to the root of the main plant.
- 5
  Inspect the roots on the parent plant. Remove any damaged, brittle, or mushy roots to make room for more new growth.

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