If the orchid has dried flower stalk - why did it happen and what to do?

Ten years ago, they admired the orchid, admired it, but were afraid to grow it at home.

Now even inexperienced flower growers easily breed them. A flower, of course, whimsical, but knowing certain nuances - everything is simple.

Quite often there are problems with the peduncle of an orchid. From what the arrow dries up and what to do if it is partially or completely dry - you need to properly understand these issues. Below we will describe what a dried flower stalk looks like and when this is the norm.

Purpose of a flower-bearing shoot

The peduncle is a temporary process on which inflorescences are located. The orchid shoots an arrow after a period of rest, when she rested, gained strength. After the appearance of the peduncle, the flowering process begins: buds are formed, which subsequently grow, develop, blossom (for how to care for an orchid after it has released the peduncle, read here). The flower stalk fulfilled its function at the completion of this stage. But it is not worth trimming the arrow, especially if it is healthy and green. Soon, new flowers or children may appear on it (how to grow a cake on an orchid can be found here).

What does dried up look like?

The drying process means the loss of stiffness, elasticity of the peduncle. At the same time, his appearance changes gradually. The green color gradually fades, fades. Loses its shape, the color becomes brown, purple. The dried part of the plant loses life-giving moisture. Also, photosynthesis ceases in the damaged area, there are no vital processes, it can be said that death is taking place.

When is this phenomenon not normal?

Everything is in order if the peduncle on the orchids begins to turn yellow after flowering. The flowers dried up and fell away, then the arrow begins to die. In detail about what to do with the peduncle after the arrow has faded, we talked in this material.

Things are worse when the flower stalk dries and at the same time buds form on it. Or, during flowering, the flower stalk dries up, preventing the flowers from blooming.

In such cases, there are reasons to conceive, analyze the conditions in which the orchid grows, the rules of care.

Why is this happening?

As it turned out, the flower stalk can dry out not only in natural processes, but also under the influence of a number of factors.

Incorrect lighting

Orchid is a shade-tolerant plant, but this does not mean that they absolutely do not need sunlight. As a result of a lack of lighting, flower stalks, leaves, aerial roots, and buds are completely unformed. In the absence of light, the process of photosynthesis slows down.

However, intense, bright lighting is generally harmful to the plant. Scorching sunlight can leave thermal burns. In the summer, a flower pot is best mixed in partial shade.

Oversupply or malnutrition

The frequent use of mineral fertilizers does more harm than good. This process is reflected in this way: leaves, peduncle, roots dry, buds fall during the flowering period. On the other hand, a lack of nutrients negatively affects the development of the plant. Everything should be in moderation, and the dosage is strictly according to the instructions.

Air humidity

High or low humidity in the room is the result of a withering, soft peduncle. The general tone of the plant worsens, undeveloped flowers fall. Perhaps the development of decay processes.

Hypothermia

Withering of peduncles occurs as a result of cold air entering the leaves. For example, when transporting a plant from the store home, when the foliage comes in contact with glass, when the window is frost -16 ° C. It is very dangerous to ventilate the room if the orchid has just finished taking water procedures. Subcooling provokes the discharge of buds, a significant deterioration in general condition.

Root overheating

Orchids come from the tropics, it is not surprising that they love warmth. However, everything is good in moderation. Do not leave the plant in direct sunlight, near a heating radiator in the winter, or under a stream of hot air from the air conditioner.

Stress

A sudden change of residence for orchids is a kind of shock. After all, at the same time, lighting, temperature, humidity changes. And the plants immediately react to such changes. At first, the flower can stop flowering, lose buds, but then everything will work out. It takes time to adapt.

When is it worth cropping an arrow?

The ideal time for pruning a dry flower stalk is a dormant period, then there is confidence that the orchid is resting and will not bloom for now. But this period of time for different varieties falls in different ways, in most cases - the middle or end of autumn.

Despite the time frame, it is possible to cut off the flower stalks only to completely dry them, so that not one living kidney remains. If you cut it “live”, in this case we will harm the plant, weaken it. All forces will be spent on wound healing.

Do I need a transplant?

The reason for the sudden drying of the peduncle is waterlogging. It is worth carefully inspecting the roots in what condition they are. Green - healthy, bright with a silver tint - the orchid is resting, brown, black color indicates the presence of rot or other diseases. Then, you can’t do without a transplant.

Action taken:

1. Extract flower from pot.
2. Rinse the roots under running water.
3. Remove damaged areas, treat sections with an antiseptic.
4. Leave to dry overnight.
5. Transplant the orchid in a new soil with a good drainage layer.
6. At first, it is better to postpone watering, spraying with warm, soft water.
7. The flowerpot is recommended to be put in a dark place for better adaptation.

What to do with a dried shoot?

If the peduncle is still green, and the tip begins to turn yellow, you do not need to remove it. For an outwardly attractive appearance, you can cut off the dry tip. We remove the completely completely dry flower stalk, which will give strength to restore the orchid.

For the elimination process, you will need a pruner or a sharp knife. Disinfect all instruments well in advance.

1. Carefully trim all dry parts of the plant.
2. The stump should remain no more than 2 cm.
3. Sprinkle a live slice with an antiseptic.
4. If there are dry leaves, roots, remove in the same way.
5. Do not water the flower for 7-10 days, let it recover.

Aftercare

In order to avoid the negative consequences of the operation, it is best not to touch the orchid for some time, but try to observe the following conditions:

• A flower likes temperature in summer: + 22-25ºС, in winter + 16-18ºС. However, the first few weeks after removal of the peduncle, it is better to lower the temperature to + 20-22 ° C.
• Minimize watering, but watch for the drying of the soil in the pot.
• Exclude intense lighting. Limit the duration of exposure to light.
• Humidity is maintained within 50-60%.
• Avoid stagnation of air in the room.
• The first month does not feed, and then 1 time in 30 days.
• For orchids, it is recommended to renew the substrate every 2-3 years, and it is best done in the period after flowering.
• Water temperature should be 35-40ºС.
• Spray regularly.

As it turned out, pruning is not such a terrible thing. The main thing is to analyze the condition of the flower, get acquainted with the recommendations, prepare everything, and you can start. Attention and care are needed not only for people, but also for the wonderful representatives of the flora. They will reciprocate, long and lush flowering.

Interesting video

Watch the video on how to prune a dried flower stalk after flowering an orchid: