How to prune many-coloured zygopetalum

After flowering for spike removal; during repotting for old pseudobulb cleanup. Cut finished spikes at their base with sterile scissors. At repotting, detach completely dried, leafless back-bulbs at the rhizome with a sterilised blade. Seal cut points with powdered cinnamon.

As needed — once per bloom cycle; back-bulb removal every 2–3 years if repotting. Zygopetalum maxillare is a compact, pseudobulbous orchid that needs almost no pruning. Remove spent flower spikes at the base after all blooms fade. Fully dried and leafless old pseudobulbs may be removed when repotting. Healthy leaves and pseudobulbs should never be cut — they feed the next growth and bloom cycle.

Cut finished spikes at their base with sterile scissors. At repotting, detach completely dried, leafless back-bulbs at the rhizome with a sterilised blade. Seal cut points with powdered cinnamon.