where to cut a Paph? - Orchid Board

Dooyen san · #1 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:33 PM

Okay so my Paph's bloom has just died out...I've read that after the bloom is gone, you have to cut the stem down the base. I'm so new to growing orchid so I don't know if there are different methods for different species. Do you still cut it down to the base if it's a Paph? Thank you in advance!

OrchidSue · #2 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:37 PM

I cut down as far as I can without damaging the plant.

Susan

RosieC · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 06:26 AM

I agree with Susan, cut it down as low as you can without damaging the leaves.

Usually Paphs have the stem coming up between two leaves. I gently snip with scissors as low as I can without cutting those leaves.

kavanaru · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 08:12 AM

a very good advice is to let the stem dry out before cutting. This way you ensure you will have no open wounds in your plant and minimize the risk of infections and lost of the plant...

trdyl · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 08:29 AM

Ramón. That is great advice.

BikerDoc5968 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 09:40 AM

Keep in mind that the portion of the plant that has flowered will, in time, die back; this portion will not flower again. You should see new vegetative growth from the base area which will be the source of new flowers. In these pictures you can see the new growth at the base (1). Just behind this is the old growth and cut spike (2). And behind this is the largest growth with new flower spike (3). The flower to the right in the last picture is on another plant. The photos aren't my finest but demonstrate the point.

RosieC · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 01:02 PM

Great example pics Doc.

I didn't realise the old growth would actually die back. How long does it usualy take before that happens?

My Paphs are putting out new growth but the growth which has already flowered is just staying as it is.

BikerDoc5968 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

Great example pics Doc.

I didn't realise the old growth would actually die back. How long does it usualy take before that happens?

My Paphs are putting out new growth but the growth which has already flowered is just staying as it is.

Don't know how long... probably varies from plant to plant... but in time it will die back!

RosieC · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2009, 05:45 AM

OK, thanks Doc. Good info to stop me worrying when it happens