Learn how to save a dying orchid in 5 steps even if you are a beginner plant owner. Orchids are some of the most popular house plants. Although most people know how to care for them some people still struggle from time to time.
Step By Step Guide On Reviving A Dying Orchid
When you notice your orchid is not doing well don’t panic. You should also not feel like you neglected it. Some of these challenges still happen even to us experienced plant owners.
If you have a dying orchid, you can revive it following these simple steps.
Determine Whether The Orchid Is Dead Or Just Dormant
Orchid plants go through two distinct stages: the dormant orchid plant and the dying orchid plant. The difference between the two is subtle at first, but the dying orchid plant quickly becomes obvious.
Orchids go into dormancy immediately after the blooms fall off. During this period, you should hold back on watering and fertilizing. For most orchid types this period is usually during the winter months.
If your orchid has been in dormancy for too long and has refused to bloom again, check this post on how to shock the orchid plant and cause it to flower again.
The following signs indicate that your orchid is in the dying orchid stage: the leaves on the orchid plant start to yellow, the orchid plant stops blooming, and the orchid plant becomes limp and lifeless. If you notice these signs, act quickly to save your orchid plant.
Step 1: Remove the Orchid and Discard Old Media
The first thing you should do is to remove the orchid plant from the pot and discard any old potting media.
Checking the old media will help you determine the health of your orchid plant. It is best to discard it so that you can start over fresh and remove any diseases that may have developed in the old-growth media.
You should use a new orchid pot for your orchid plant, but old pots can also be used if you sterilize them first.
Step 2: Cut Off the Dead Roots
The next step is to cut off the dead roots of your orchid plant. You can do this by digging around the base of the orchid plant with a pencil or knife to loosen the root ball. When the roots are exposed, cut away the dead roots with a pair of sharp scissors or a knife.
Be sure to cut away only the dead roots and not the healthy roots that are still growing. The roots that you cut off will need to be disposed of properly so that they don’t spread any diseases to other plants.
Step 3: Remove Any Infected leaves
The next step is to remove any infected leaves from your orchid plant. You can do this by cutting away the infected leaves so that they do not spread any diseases to other parts of the orchid plant.
Infected leaves will typically discolor and turn yellow, become limp, and can also have a foul smell. Infected leaves can be cut away with a pair of scissors or cut off with a knife.
Note: always disinfect the knife or scissors in between every cut to avoid passing the infection from one part of the plant to another.
Step 4: Repot Your Orchid
The next thing you should do is to repot your orchid plant. You should repot your orchid plant into a pot that is slightly bigger than the old pot that it was growing in.
You should use the proper orchid potting media for repotting your orchid plant so that the orchids can thrive.
You should also use orchid pots so that you can continue to care for your orchid plant without worrying about it spreading diseases to other plants.
Step 5: Nurture Your orchid
The last step is to nurture your orchid plant by providing it with the proper amount of light, water, and nutrients.
You should place your orchid plant in a location with indirect sunlight so that the leaves of your orchid plant can continue to photosynthesize.
You should water your orchid plant well especially the first time you repot it. After that, continue to water it regularly and let it
Final Thoughts on Bringing Back Your Dying Orchid
Don’t give up and throw away your orchid when you notice it has dying symptoms. You can save it.
If you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can save a dying orchid and give it some love and care for it so that it can grow and produce new and beautiful blooms.
If you want to learn how to grow an orchid, you can check out our complete guide to growing orchids at home. Also, follow me on Pinterest for more awesome posts on all types of flowers and plants.
