How to prune cockleshell orchid

After the spike is fully spent and beginning to brown. Cut the dried flower spike cleanly at its base with sterile scissors. Remove yellowed or dead leaves only. This orchid blooms sequentially up the spike, so patience before cutting is important — verify no new buds are forming at the apex.

As needed (once the spike is completely finished). Cockleshell orchid (Prosthechea cochleata) is a sequential bloomer that can flower for many months from a single spike. Do not cut the spike while any blooms or buds remain. Once the spike is fully spent and drying, remove it at the base. Healthy pseudobulbs and leaves need no pruning — leave them in place.

Cut the dried flower spike cleanly at its base with sterile scissors. Remove yellowed or dead leaves only. This orchid blooms sequentially up the spike, so patience before cutting is important — verify no new buds are forming at the apex.