How to Cut Cattleya Orchids After They Bloom

Cut Cattleya orchids properly to encourage healthy blooming cycles.

The Cattleya genus represents the typical orchid to most people. These stunning exotics have enjoyed decades of popularity as corsage favorites of some of the most celebrated and fashionable ladies in history. Cattleya enthusiasts look forward to stunning blooming displays each spring or fall -- or both -- depending upon their orchid's species. The large, spectacular flowers last for weeks on the plant and up to seven days after cutting. Remove the spent spikes from your Cattleya orchids properly after flowering to encourage continuous healthy blooming cycles. This will also tidy up your orchid's overall appearance when it's not in flower.

Things You'll Need

• New single-edge razor blade

Instructions

1. Cut the Cattleya bloom about three to five days after the bud opens for best vase performance. The flower should be completely expanded and the petals will be thick and robust. Use a new, single-edge razor blade to sever the bloom spike cleanly, with an angular cut, just above the sheath from which it emerges. Don't touch the bloom with your fingers. Your cut Cattleya will remain beautiful in a vase for up to a week.

2. Cut the rest of the blooms freely as they appear if you wish, but don't do any other pruning during this time. Allow the cattleya plant to complete its blooming cycle before trimming spikes out for the season. It's very important to the health of your plant to let it run its course naturally so that it can set sturdy pseudobulbs for its next growth cycle. Enjoy the dazzling show, which will last from three to four weeks.

3. Remove the flower spikes from your Cattleya orchid after all the blooms have dropped off, and the sheaths start to turn yellow. Use a new, single-edge razor blade to cut cleanly through the bloom spike and the sheath encasing it. Make your cut as close to the leaf as possible without injuring the plant. Don't try to pull the stem stub from the plant, as you'll probably end up harming it. The stub will eventually dry up and fall off naturally.

References

• Argus Orchids: Once Your Orchids Have Flowered
• Repotme.com: Cattleya Care
• Rivel Valley Orchidworks: Orchid Blooms

Resources

• American Orchid Society: Cattleyas for the Beginner
• Beautiful Orchids: Cutting Orchids