How to prune maxillaria picta

After flowering, typically late winter to early spring. Snip spent flower spikes at their base with sterile scissors once they are completely brown. Remove fully dead pseudobulbs only when thoroughly desiccated — retain back-bulbs even if leafless, as they store energy for new growth.

Rarely — after each flowering season as needed. Maxillaria picta requires minimal pruning. This fragrant sympodial orchid blooms from the base of pseudobulbs in winter. Remove spent flower spikes once fully browned. Trim any dead or yellowed leaves and shrivelled back-bulbs with sterile scissors if they are completely desiccated. Healthy pseudobulbs, even older ones, should be retained as energy reserves.

Snip spent flower spikes at their base with sterile scissors once they are completely brown. Remove fully dead pseudobulbs only when thoroughly desiccated — retain back-bulbs even if leafless, as they store energy for new growth.