---
title: "Should I wait until the bloom spikes of my oncidium dry up and brown…"
description: "Should I wait until the bloom spikes of my oncidium dry up and brown before cutting them off after the flowers have dropped? Or is it OK to cut them off while…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/FKc4zJMs7xFB6ytQxSiDSn"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Amy"
published: "2025-05-04T22:24:35.576991Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lWTjWGwwun1muSeAQxsoBCK67Od3_D1F554RFf3AQ7o/JYJTHlK3QXiz_msOJB7sqg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Should I wait until the bloom spikes of my oncidium dry up and brown…

_Posted by Amy on 2025-05-04_

Should I wait until the bloom spikes of my oncidium dry up and brown before cutting them off after the flowers have dropped? Or is it OK to cut them off while green? Also what fertilizer should I use to encourage new growth? I currently using a balanced fertilizer that I greatly dilute and water weekly. Should I use something with high nitrogen?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lWTjWGwwun1muSeAQxsoBCK67Od3_D1F554RFf3AQ7o/JYJTHlK3QXiz_msOJB7sqg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lWTjWGwwun1muSeAQxsoBCK67Od3_D1F554RFf3AQ7o/WEFNZNJpQ0qZfjRKR4R4fw.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Jen commented on 2025-05-04

You can absolutely cut them while they are still green once the blooms are done. I use the same full menu balanced fertilizer year round.

### Amy commented on 2025-05-05

Thank you. The blooms fell off more than a week ago but I wasn’t sure if I should wait to cut the old flower spikes or wait until they dried up. I appreciate the advice 🙂

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