Back Cutting

Question

I have been rereading an article by Allison and Mark Webb on the Dendrobium speciosum complex in the October 1994 AOS Bulletin (now Orchids) in which they say that "back-cutting the rhizome will make sure a plant puts out lots of new growths." Please explain how and when this should be done. -Susan Austin
 

Answer

Back-cutting refers to the practice of severing the rhizome between older pseudobulbs to encourage the production of new growths. It can be considered analogous to pinching foliage plants and annuals, where the apical dominance of lateral buds is overcome by the removal of the growing tip. -  Ned Nash