Pruning orchids is indeed very important once it has started to flower especially if you want to promote a new growth. Pruning also ensures that your plant will be healthy and will bloom repeatedly. Majority of novice orchid growers can be very nervous about pruning their plant because they are scared that they will damage the plant.

Pruning your orchid doesn't have to be a difficult task especially if you will follow the following steps listed below.

Step 1 - Right Timing for Pruning

The perfect timing for pruning your orchids should be when the orchids are dormant and there are no more blooms. The best time to do this usually falls during the months of October and November, generally in early October to late November. If you fail to prune during these months, you'll miss the chance to get pruning done and your orchid will once again start to bloom. However if your orchid is not pruned it may not have a new growth.

The timing for pruning can depend on the variety of orchid. This is especially true among the kinds of orchids that flower a lot of times during the entire year. But the rule of the thumb is, if you are not certain of when to prune, do the pruning during the months of October and November.

Step 2 - Identify the Type of Your Orchid

Different orchid groups are individually unique as far as growth and flowering is concerned. For novice orchid growers, they must look at the phalaenopsis orchid variety. This variety will require pruning the moment the flower will begin to exhibit signs of wilting. However, there are other varieties of orchids that will require pruning when they show some signs of unhealthiness such as turning brown of the stems of your orchid. Yellow leaves are also a sign of unhealthy orchids. But before anything else, see to it that you have instructions on hand before you attempt to do any pruning. Substantial information about pruning the orchids are available online or from your local greenery.

Step 3 - Make Sure that You Have the Right Pruning Tools at Hand

When you are ready to do the pruning, it will always be best for you to have the correct tools to help you do the job. The most important tool that you will need is a pair of scissor style secateurs. This tool will prune the stem efficiently without causing any damage or harm to the plant. Wipe the secaterus with a diluted bleach solution to disinfect it. Protect your skin by wearing sterile gloves.

Step 4 - Know the What and Where to Prune

Before you begin pruning your orchid, you should know the proper way of how to prune it. You can start by cutting back the actual orchid branch where the flower stems instead of cutting the supporting stems. Cut about a quarter of an inch away from the stem node. But be sure you know what particular kind of orchid you are growing because certain orchid varieties will require different method of trimming.

Step 5 - Check the Orchid Roots

Check the roots of the orchid while pruning. Healthy roots will have a green or grayish film and look agile. If the roots of your orchid plants are brown, brittle and mushy, then you should cautiously trim it to allow a new growth.

So you see pruning is not that difficult. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and you’re on your way to growing healthy orchids.