One of the most common questions about orchids is “where should I cut my orchid stem after it blooms?” The right answer for that depends on which type of orchid you have and it’s specific needs.
So I’m going to take you through where you should cut your orchid stem after it blooms as well as some general guidelines for cutting orchids, after care and more.
Understanding Orchid Blooms
Understanding a little bit about orchid blooms can be helpful when you to want cut them. So before we get into where you should be cutting lets take a quick look at the blooms.
Unlike traditional cut flowers, which are usually removed from the plant once they’ve bloomed, orchid blooms can last up to weeks or even months. The blooms gradually fade during this time and will eventually wilt before dying off completely.
After the blooms die off the stem still grows though. And depending on which type of orchid you have the stems may give you new blooms in the future or stop growing entirely ane just wither away.
You have to know how to properly care for the stems to keep your orchid healthy in the long term. Ignoring or getting it wrong will not only affect how well it grows but also how good the blooms look.
When to Cut an Orchid Stem
This all depends on the type of orchid you have. Also when and how it blooms will play a role too.
But generally you should wait until the blooms have died before you cut the stem. Why? Because then your orchid can still draw nutrients from the stem even as it’s withering and dying.
If you aren’t sure if the blooms have died entirely then check the flowers and see if they are wilting or showing any signs of going brown. If so then you can be confident they’re on their way to dying completely.
Once you’re confident that they’re fully gone you can cut the stem.
Where to Cut an Orchid Stem
Ok, so you should be confident about when to cut it. So now we need to know where to make the cut.
This again will depend on the type of orchid its specific needs (I know, it’s getting a bit repetitive!). You have two choices for cutting your stem after it blooms: either above a node or cutting it all the way back.
Cutting Above a Node
Nodes are small bumps or joints you will find on the stem where new growth emerges. If you cut the stem above the node you will be leaving some of the stem intact. This gives it the chance to grow bloom again in the future.
To cut the stem above the nose look for one that’s a minimum of two inches below where the blooms were. Use sharp and sterile scissors or pruning shears as you want the cut to be as clean as possible.
Make sure you sterilize your cutting tools before and after each time you use them.
If you don’t then there’s a chance of disease being spread between plants.
Cutting All the Way Back
The other option is to cut it all the way back to the base of the plant. Go with this method if the stems is looking very withered or if you’re not sure whether any of nodes left on the stem could still grow.
Cutting the stem all the way back is fairly simple. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears again and just make a cut above the base of the plant. You then remove the entire stem including any dead blooms and nodes.
Post Cutting Care
Make sure you are watering your orchid regularly and it has the right amount of light and humidity. Orchids love bright, indirect light as well as lots of humidity.
Don’t overwater it as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Your orchid also needs a lot of good drainage.
If you cut the stem all the way back to the base of the plant then you may notice a small, brown bump near where you cut. This is a dormant bud and it could grow into a new stem with flowers.
If you want to encourage it to grow a new stem then give your orchid the light it needs, the right amount of water and humidity and then be patient.
If you cut the stem above a node new growth will take a few weeks or months. When the new growth reaches 2 to 3 inches long you can then begin fertilizing it again to help it to grow strong.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to know when to cut your orchid stem after it blooms. It makes up a big part of caring for your beautiful plant.
The guidelines here should help you to get it right and doing so will let your orchid thrive and produce wonderful flowers for many more years.
Each orchid is unique though and you will have to tailor what you do to the type of orchid and what it needs. If you’re not sure about how to care for your orchid after it blooms then you can get in touch with a local nursery or orchid expert for extra advice.
My orchid is 2 years old and it only has leaves . Should I just buy a new one or wait longer for it to grow a bloom stem
Hi my orchardis about two years after it flowers I left the spike on another shot come on the spike and flower know how should I do it’s healthy can I cut and try to replant the spike💌