How to Trim Moth Orchids

Moth orchids, from the Phalaenopsis group, bear large, flat and open blooms in a rainbow of colors and patterns. These low-light, warm-growing orchids thrive in indoor situations to bloom from April to June. Phalaenopsis flowers grow 3 to 4 inches in diameter and sit in stacks on long, graceful flower stalks. Careful in-season pruning encourages reblooming on these elegant plants. Prune your orchid based on the stalk's health.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prune moth orchids when all flowers fade and fall off. This indicates the end of the flower flush. Pruning at this time mimics deadheading on standard garden flowers.
- 2
  Cut the orchid stalk halfway down to encourage reblooming. Alternatively, cut off only the dried, dead part of the stalk, or make a cut 1 inch above the next "unused" joint. New growth appears at this node in the form of new blooms or a new side shoot.
- 3
  Cut off the entire stalk if it dries and withers or rots. Make this cut 1 inch above the crown. The plant produces a new flower stalk in this situation.

How to Cut Back a Moth Orchid

Orchid Soil Pests

Orchids