How To Prune An Orchid To Keep Your Plant Happy And Healthy

When it comes to orchids, a little trim goes a long way toward turning your plant into a showstopper. Known for their exotic beauty and intricate blooms, orchids are fast becoming one of the most popular houseplants. With over 25,000 species and countless hybrids, they offer a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit any plant lover's taste. Orchids are prized not only for their stunning flowers but also for their longevity — when cared for properly, they can bloom for weeks or even months at a time. They can also live a long time — propagations of orchids from the nineteenth century are still blooming today! Their air of sophistication and relative ease of maintenance make them a favorite choice for those looking to add elegance to their homes.

While relatively easy to care for, orchids need indirect sunlight, occasional watering, and light pruning to reach their full potential. Make sure your orchid gets plenty of light by placing it somewhere bright, such as a well-lit east or south-facing window. In addition, water your orchid when the soil begins to dry out but before it begins to wilt. Then, prune it at the proper time. With just a bit of attention to these needs, your orchid can flourish and reward you with stunning displays year after year.

Pruning is an important part of successfully caring for indoor orchids. As your orchid blooms, trim off flowers that start to wither and fade with a sharp pair of scissors, such as VIVOSUN 6.5-Inch Gardening Scissors. This will help keep your plant looking vibrant and healthy during its blooming season. 

Know the mistakes to avoid when your orchid stops blooming, as it is only entering dormancy — a vital period of rest and recovery that often occurs in the fall. It may still have vibrant, healthy leaves, but don't worry — it truly is dormant. This is the perfect time to prune your orchid, as it helps redirect the plant's energy toward healthy roots and future flower production. First, remove any leaves that have begun browning, making sure to disinfect your scissors between plants with an alcohol-based sanitizer, such as Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. Then, look for any unused nodes on your stem, and trim your spike above it. If your plant doesn't have any unused nodes, cut your spike above the leaves. 

Careful pruning allows your orchid to regrow healthier the next year. Also, during dormancy, check the roots of your orchid to see if they're pushing your plant out of its current pot, necessitating the need for a larger pot. Orchids can be finicky plants, so the best way to repot them is when dormant, every one to three years as needed. With proper pruning and care during dormancy, your orchid will reward you with vibrant, long-lasting blooms year after year.