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5 Steps to Save Your Dying Orchid | The Urban Gardener


a orchid with vibrant purple leaves in a greenhouse

Step 1: Diagnose the Problem by Observing the Orchid

First, I take a good look at my orchid. This helps me find out what's wrong. It could be turning yellow or brown. Its leaves may be wilted and dry. The roots may also look bad, showing signs of orchid rot.

They might be dark and soft when touched instead of white and firm.

Sometimes it doesn't need much water to thrive but too little can make it dehydrated. If it gets too cold or hot, the plant can start dying off too quickly as well! So I keep an eye on every part of my orchid: leaves, stems, blooms, and roots to see any sign that things aren't right with my plant.

Step 2: Discard Old Media and Remove the Orchid

repotting a orchid

I am now going to take out the orchid from its old pot. Here's how you can do it too:

  1. Hold the top of the orchid pot firmly.

  2. Turn the pot upside down slowly.

  3. Tap lightly on the bottom to loosen the plant and media.

  4. Pull out your orchid gently from its pot.

  5. Throw away all of the old media in a bag, it won't help our dying orchid.

Step 3: Eliminate the Dead Roots

pruning dead roots off of an orchid

I always look for dead roots on my struggling orchid. Here is the easy way I do it:

  1. I first take out the orchid from its pot.

  2. I brush away old potting media stuck to the roots.

  3. I then look for mushy, rotten roots that have a foul smell.

  4. I don't forget to check for signs of root rot or dehydration.

  5. Using a clean pair of scissors, I cut off all dead and rotten roots.

  6. If there's fungus or rot, I treat my orchid with hydrogen peroxide.

  7. I make sure not to hurt healthy roots as they are vital for the orchid's revival.

  8. After this step, the orchid is ready for fresh growing media and a new pot.

  9. Careful watering after repotting helps in keeping my orchid hydrated and alive.


Step 4: Repotting Your Orchid

Repotting your orchid is crucial for its revival. These are the steps to do it:

  1. Find a clean pot that fits your orchid just right.

  2. Use fresh growing medium meant for orchids.

  3. Place your orchid carefully in the pot.

  4. Spread the roots so they lay flat on top of the media.

  5. Then, fill in around them with more media until the base of the plant is level with the rim.

  6. Don’t push down on the media because it needs air to breathe.

  7. Water your orchid properly after repotting.

  8. Place your repotted orchid in a spot with good light but no direct sun.


Step 5: Allow Your Orchid to Revive

To revive your dying orchid, it's important to give it time and care. After repotting and removing dead roots, now you need to let your orchid recover. Place it in a warm location with indirect sunlight, as direct sunlight can harm the delicate leaves.

Keep the humidity levels high by placing a tray of water nearby or using a humidifier. Water your orchid regularly, making sure not to overwater or underwater it. You'll start seeing new growth in a few weeks if you provide the right conditions for revival.

Remember to be patient and continue caring for your orchid until it fully recovers.

FAQs

What are the steps to save a dying orchid?

The steps to save a dying orchid include reviving the orchid roots, rehydrating it, repotting and taking good care of its stems.

How do I bring my Phalaenopsis back to life?

To revive Phalaenopsis, focus on caring for its roots and stems, give it water if needed and consider repotting in fresh dirt.

What can happen if I don't take care of my Orchid's roots?

If not cared for, your orchid's roots may dry or rot which can lead to a sick or dying plant that won't bloom.

How does repotting help in saving a dying orchid?

Repotting helps by giving healthy new soil rich nutrients an Orchid needs for growth; it also removes any bad soil that could harm it.


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