If you want to keep orchids healthy, you need to create a natural environment where they thrive while keeping the other important factors in mind. If your plant is not in good condition then have a look at How to Revive a Dying Orchid!
Have a look at the best Orchid flowering secrets here
How to Revive a Dying Orchid
Symptoms to Watch out for Dying Orchid
1. Stems, leaves turn yellow
If you begin to notice that the stems and leaves are beginning to droop and change into yellow, or if the roots turn black, brown, squishy accompanied by a foul smell, you should check for any overwatering chances.
This clearly indicates that the soil is retaining excessive moisture and also check the container for enough drainage holes. Change the condition immediately.
2. Scorched leaves
If the brown or yellow scorched leaves are now beginning to fall off, your orchid needs indirect light and not bright, direct sunlight. It shows that it is a case of sunburn.
3. Wrinkled, Drooping leaves
When you notice the wrinkled look of the drooping leaves that turn yellow and roots change color to white and become extremely thin and papery, you need to water the orchid enough or water deeply and evenly.
4. Floppy and yellow leaves
If the roots begin to turn black or brown, and leaves turn floppy and yellow, it can mean that you are using excessive fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can eventually burn roots. Excessive feeding can also prevent the plant from blooming.
5. Buds Dropping
If the buds begin to fall off, leaves wilt, and turn brown or yellow, it indicates that the plant is too stressed. It could be possible due to many factors like hot or cold temperatures, and low humidity. Full sunlight or low light can also cause the orchid to die eventually.
Also Read: Orchid Care Tips
1. Cut Back on Watering
Keep in mind that orchids grow best when underwatered than overwatered. Make sure that you water the plant only when the topsoil dries out a bit. Watering the plant too much can result in root rot and the death of the plant.
We have a detailed article that will help you on watering orchids the right way here.
2. Growing Medium
Using regular garden soil is a strict no-no for orchids. The growing medium should be well aerated and drain quickly Always go for a potting mix that’s designed specifically for orchids. Sand and sphagnum moss or coco peat work best.
For more details on the best growing medium for orchids, have a look at our article here.
3. Check Roots
Take out the plant from the pot and inspect the roots closely. A healthy orchid will have green to light gray roots. Snip away roots that look dark brown or black, and re-pot the plant using a fresh potting mix.
4. Cut Back Yellow Stems
Use a scissor or pruner to cut yellow stems back to the point of healthy growth, or cut them until the base of the plant. It will boost new growth.
5. Mist the Leaves
Orchids love to thrive in conditions similar to the tropical jungle. Maintaining the humidity between 75 – 88 percent will result in the best health.
Misting the leaves once every 2-3 days will help to maintain a humid micro-climate. You can also keep the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Have a look at some amazing orchid humidity tray ideas here
6. Keep it at a Bright Spot
Keeping the plant at a spot that gets little to no light will cause it to droop in no time. Make sure that your orchid gets plenty of bright, indirect light throughout the day. Keeping it near an east-facing window will do wonders for its growth.
Check out the top orchid growing tips here
7. Maintain the Right Temperature
Orchids do best in the temperature range of 55 F (12 C) to 75 F (23 C). Exposing them to a higher or lower temperature than the suggested range will cause severe damage to the growth of plants.
Also, make sure that you are not exposing them to sudden temperature changes.
Here are the best types of Orchids you can grow
8. Do Not Fertilize Excessively
People have a misconception that fertilizing the plant more will result in abundant flowers. In fact, too much feeding can burn the roots. Also, the accumulation of salts prevents the plant from taking up water, resulting in yellow leaves.
In case your plant is suffering from overfertilizing, wash off the roots by placing the pot under a faucet for 3-5 minutes. Allow the water to drain out of the drainage holes. Water again only when the topsoil feels dry to touch.
To learn more about how to fertilize orchids and what fertilizers to use, check out our article here
Conclusion
Once you will follow all these points and take care of your orchid, it will shine like new in no time! Do make sure that you are taking the right care of this beauty to keep it thriving for a long time to come!
LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
