Growli

Deadheading guide

How to deadhead phalaenopsis-type dendrobium

Worth doing?
Yes — more blooms
When
Every few days to weekly through the flowering season — the more regularly, the better the repeat.
Cut
Follow the spent bloom down to the first set of healthy leaves or a visible side bud, and cut just above it. Cutting only the petals off leaves the developing seedpod behind, which defeats the point.

How to deadhead phalaenopsis-type dendrobium

Follow the spent bloom down to the first set of healthy leaves or a visible side bud, and cut just above it. Cutting only the petals off leaves the developing seedpod behind, which defeats the point.

The mistake to avoid

Snipping just the faded petals and leaving the swollen green seedpod below. The plant still thinks it has set seed, so phalaenopsis-type dendrobium slows down anyway.

More phalaenopsis-type dendrobium care

Deadheading phalaenopsis-type dendrobium — FAQ

Should I deadhead phalaenopsis-type dendrobium?

Deadheading phalaenopsis-type dendrobium genuinely pays off. Once a flower fades the plant starts pouring energy into setting seed, and removing it redirects that energy straight back into producing more buds. Keep on top of it through the season and you get a noticeably longer, heavier display; stop, and flowering tails off as the plant decides its job is done.

How do you deadhead phalaenopsis-type dendrobium?

Follow the spent bloom down to the first set of healthy leaves or a visible side bud, and cut just above it. Cutting only the petals off leaves the developing seedpod behind, which defeats the point.

How often should I deadhead phalaenopsis-type dendrobium?

Every few days to weekly through the flowering season — the more regularly, the better the repeat.

What is the most common deadheading mistake with phalaenopsis-type dendrobium?

Snipping just the faded petals and leaving the swollen green seedpod below. The plant still thinks it has set seed, so phalaenopsis-type dendrobium slows down anyway.