Tell me more about pruning
Tell me more about pruning
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Pruning is the process of removing excess growth from a plant to encourage healthy growth, improve its appearance, and maintain its shape. Pruning also helps to remove damaged or diseased branches or leaves that may be harming the plant. 

When it comes to pruning moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), the goal is to remove the dead or dying leaves and flower spikes. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Remove dead foliage: Start by removing any dead or dying leaves. They should be yellow or brown and limp.) This helps to prevent disease and encourages the plant to focus energy on healthy growth. 

2. Cut back flower spikes: If your moth orchid has finished flowering, you can trim the flower spike down to the level of the leaves. Trim just above a node (the point where the leaves and stem meet) to encourage potential new growth. 

3. Prune away overcrowding branches: If your orchid has become crowded with stems, trim away any sparse or overcrowded branches to improve airflow and focus energy on the stronger stems. 

4. Disinfect your scissors: It's important to clean your pruning shears or scissors between cuts to prevent the spread of disease. Use a disinfectant or alcohol wipe to clean the blades. 

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