Use clean, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
Remove dead, yellow, brown, or mushy leaves
Cut spent flower spikes after blooming
For moth orchids, cut the spike above a node if it is still green and healthy
Cut the spike at the base if it is brown and dry
Trim dead or rotting roots during repotting
Keep firm, white, or green roots intact
Remove old, dried pseudobulbs only if they are completely dead
Make cuts close to the base without damaging healthy tissue
Sterilize tools between cuts and between plants
Prune only when the plant is healthy or after flowering
Avoid removing healthy leaves or roots unnecessarily
Dispose of removed plant material promptly