To cut flowers or not to cut. - Orchid Board

dolfanjack · #1 10-17-2014, 12:47 AM

Some people suggest cutting the flower stem of newly purchased orchid to save the plant energy for future flowers. Once the plant uses the energy to make the flowers how much does it take to keep the flowers? It seems to me cutting flowers to save energy is a waste. Letting the plant develop seeds is an expenditure of energy so I can see not letting a less then health plant go to seed. Any thoughts? Thanks, Jack

soobie · #2 10-17-2014, 12:54 AM

It would probably depend on the condition of the rest of the plant. If the roots and leaves are doing well, then no harm in keeping the flowers. If the plant is already struggling, the cutting the spike might be worthwhile.

camille1585 · #3 10-17-2014, 04:02 AM

In all my years on the forum, that's the first time I hear that piece of advice! Following that logic, while let a plant bloom at all if it takes energy?
So if the plant is happy and healthy I'd say no, don't cut off that spike, and enjoy the blooms as they were intended to be enjoyed.

Optimist · #4 10-17-2014, 08:51 AM

The statements were made in reference to sick rescue orchids, and phals specifically.

Seeds. Orchids have a zillion tiny seeds. Unless they are in a perfect situation, it takes a chemestry lab and experts to get them to grow.

Is energy expended for flowers? Of course it is. I think it is a good exersise for newbies too. What is more important, flowers or a healthy plant?

Also, many orchids coming from orchid factories are blooming out of proper schedual. They need to get back on their proper rythem if it is at all possible.

camille1585 · #5 10-17-2014, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist

Is energy expended for flowers? Of course it is. I think it is a good exersise for newbies too. What is more important, flowers or a healthy plant?

Also, many orchids coming from orchid factories are blooming out of proper schedual. They need to get back on their proper rythem if it is at all possible.

Sounds like you are saying that the spike *should* be cut?

PaphMadMan · #6 10-17-2014, 11:33 AM

Most of the resources needed to flower are involved before the flower opens. Once it is open it is low resource cost to maintain as long as the plant is basically healthy and getting good care. Developing seeds doesn't even take as much as producing the flowers did for orchids.

If it isn't healthy you shouldn't have let it flower in the first place - cut the spike as early as possible. If it is a new purchase and it isn't healthy, what were you thinking? But if you do discover significant health problems in a blooming plant, then cutting the spike is appropriate if you value the plant over the flowers.

If the question is between maintaining flowers or risking the health of a plant, only you can make the choice if you want to participate in the bloom and toss mentality. A mass market NoID orchid is really just a glorified cut flower anyway. But the idea of cutting the flowers off of a perfectly healthy plant to somehow get it back on a schedule is so odd I can't even wrap my mind around it except in a commercial production setting.

dolfanjack · #7 10-17-2014, 04:12 PM

If someone new to orchids (or any flowering plant) bought a plant in flower that was not fully healthy in my opinion should enjoy the flowers and not cut them. The energy it took to make them has already been used and cutting them isn't going to make the plant healthier faster. Growing the seed pod and seeds (no matter how small) will hinder the health because that takes more energy. Is there any science behind the notion to cut the flowers to make a healthier plant? Thanks, Jack