How to prune zygopetalum orchid

After the last flower fades; shrivelled pseudobulb removal in late spring. Cut the spent spike at its base with sterilised secateurs. To remove an exhausted back-bulb, sever it at the rhizome with a clean blade at a 45-degree angle and allow the wound to dry. Sterilise tools between cuts.

Annually after flowering; back-bulb removal only every few years. Zygopetalum orchids need only light pruning. Cut spent flower spikes to their base once all blooms have faded — Zygos bloom on new growth so no benefit comes from leaving old spikes. Remove old, shrivelled pseudobulbs that are three or more seasons past. Leave healthy green pseudobulbs completely alone even after flowering.

Cut the spent spike at its base with sterilised secateurs. To remove an exhausted back-bulb, sever it at the rhizome with a clean blade at a 45-degree angle and allow the wound to dry. Sterilise tools between cuts.