TheNaturePlanet

Phalaenopsis is the "beauty" in the homes of many flower enthusiasts. To make phalaenopsis bloom on schedule and even achieve multiple blooms, scientific pruning is of great importance. So, how should phalaenopsis be pruned to make it bloom? And how long does it take to see those charming flowers again after pruning?
First of all, we need to understand the growth characteristics of phalaenopsis. The flowers of phalaenopsis usually grow on the flower stalks. After the flowering period, the flower stalks will gradually wither. And proper pruning operations can help the plant save nutrients, stimulate the differentiation of new flower buds, and reserve energy for the next blooming.
For phalaenopsis whose flowering period has passed, there are two common pruning methods. The first method is to cut off the flower stalk at the 1st to 3rd node counting upwards from the base of the flower stem after the phalaenopsis flowers fade. This pruning method is suitable for those plants that are relatively robust and for the situation where you hope the plant will bloom again in a short period. Because there may still be certain nutrients stored in these remaining sections of the flower stem, and there are potential bud points. Through reasonable maintenance, these bud points may germinate, and then form new flower branches and bloom. The second pruning method is more thorough, that is, to cut off the entire flower stem from the base. This method is suitable for the situation where the plant is relatively weak, or when you hope that the phalaenopsis will concentrate its energy on recovering and preparing for the next growth cycle. After cutting off the entire flower stem, the plant can use more nutrients for growing new leaves and roots, and strengthen its own constitution. Although it may take a little longer to bloom again, the quality of the flowers is often higher.
In addition to pruning after the flowering period, if you find any dry, yellow or poorly growing leaves and roots during daily maintenance, you also need to prune them in a timely manner. These unhealthy parts will not only consume the nutrients of the plant, but may also become a breeding ground for diseases and pests, affecting the overall health of the phalaenopsis.
As for how long it takes for phalaenopsis to bloom after pruning, there is no fixed answer, and it will be affected by various factors. Generally speaking, if the pruning method of leaving 1 to 3 nodes on the flower stem is adopted and the maintenance is proper, new flower buds may germinate within 1 to 2 months. It takes about another 1 to 2 months from the germination of the flower buds to the full bloom of the flowers. That is to say, you can see the phalaenopsis bloom again in about 2 to 3 months at the earliest. If the flower stem is cut off from the base, since the plant needs more time to recover and accumulate nutrients, it may take 3 to 6 months to bloom again.
The maintenance environment plays a key role in the blooming time of phalaenopsis after pruning. In terms of temperature, phalaenopsis is suitable for growing in an environment of 18 to 28°C. This temperature range is conducive to the differentiation and development of flower buds. If the temperature is too high or too low, it will prolong the blooming time, and may even cause the flower buds to fail to differentiate normally. Light is also an important factor. Phalaenopsis needs sufficient scattered light for photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation, but it is necessary to avoid direct strong light to prevent the leaves and flower buds from being burned. In terms of water and fertilization, maintain a moderately moist soil environment and avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. When fertilizing, follow the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently. Appropriately increase the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the flower bud differentiation period, which helps to promote the formation and development of flower buds.
Scientific and reasonable pruning is an important means to make phalaenopsis bloom, and careful maintenance after pruning is the key to determining the blooming time and the quality of the flowers. As long as you master these key points, every flower enthusiast can enjoy the beautiful moment when the phalaenopsis is in full bloom.