On Fri, 05 Aug 2005 00:05:07 +0200, Niek Hanckmann
wrote:

My general rule for orchids: Don't cut anything off unless:

1. You are going to bring the plant in for a show/jury
2. What you are planning to cut off is completely dead and dried (it
will probably come off by itself)
3. It is rotting or spreading diseases.

Old pseudobulbs and mottled leaves are still useful for a plant as a
backup supply.

Grtz. Niek

Very good advice. Many Dendrobiums do not bloom on new growth.
Many more will bloom on several back canes at the same time they
bloom on the newest ones. These get more spectacular every year.
I never cut old canes except rot until they powder apart in my
hands because they are so dried out.

Poor Phal. I have one the neighbor sunburned. Sometimes it will
cause the plant to loose an extra leaf or two. Again... no
cutting unless rot or 'show' needs. If you are visiting an
orchid society (I recommend joining others in your area to grow
well) and taking the plant for show and tell table or display -
Make it look good. No bad foliage.. But to grow strong... every
bit of green helps and old leaves will eventually separate on
their own.
SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php