A gardener revealed to me a way to save an endangered orchid. This method brings any plant back to life!
If the orchid’s leaves are wilting and softening, root rot is likely. How to revive a rotten orchid? It is possible if you take good care of it.
Why are my orchids dying?
Root rot is usually caused by poor soil drainage or overwatering, although old or compacted soil can also be the cause. If you are just beginning to notice the leaves wilting and yellowing, you can save the orchid by simply moving it to another container. However, if the roots are badly rotted, the affected areas should be cut back and the potting mix changed to give the orchid the best chance of healing.
How to revive a rotten orchid?
If the container does not have enough drainage, move the orchid to another container. If this flower is kept in a container without drainage holes, the roots may begin to rot due to excess water. To solve this problem, move the orchid to a container with holes. Avoid planting it before the flowers have fallen. If you suspect root rot, replant immediately to keep the plant alive.
Orchids are sometimes planted in a thin plastic container with drainage holes, then the container is placed in a decorative pot without drainage . In this case, you can remove the plastic container and leave the orchid there until planting.
If your orchid is already planted in a pot with good drainage, but the roots are still rotting, you may have overwatered it. If this is not the reason, the platform may be too old. If this happens, move the plant to a new pot with new soil.
Which pot to choose?
Choose a clay pot that is about the same size as the old container. Orchids grow best when planted in a not-too-large pot. Also, the more substrate you use, the more water the plant retains, which increases the risk of root rot. By choosing a smaller container, you can keep as much soil as possible so as not to shock the plant too much. Ceramic pots are good for orchids because they are porous. This allows the soil to dry out faster, which helps prevent root rot. If reusing the dish, soak it in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for about 2 hours. This will kill any bacteria or fungi that may be harming your plants. Before using the tank, let it dry for about 2 days to completely eliminate the chlorine.
Orchid transplant
Carefully remove the entire plant from the pot. Turn it sideways and grab the plant at the base of the stem. Then carefully remove the plant. Don’t damage the roots more than they already are, so don’t pull hard or try to force the orchid out of the pot. If the plant does not come out of the container easily, try submerging the entire container in water for about 5 minutes to soften the roots. If the orchid is still difficult to remove, you may need to break the pot.
Gently transfer the orchid to the new pot. Gently press the roots into the new container and add as much soil as possible. Don’t compact hard soil – orchid roots need air to dry out. However, if the plant in the new pot is too weak, soil can be added around the edges of the pot.
If the new pot is deeper than the old one, add special orchid soil to the bottom of the pot before planting the plant.
Orchid Care
Wait a few days before watering the flower. Don’t overwater the orchid at once. Give the plant 2-3 days to get used to the new environment and water only when the top layer of soil is dry. It is possible that after planting an orchid, its flowers will fade. If this happens, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong, it’s probably just transplant shock. Orchids grow best if their growing medium is changed every two years.
Cinnamon also helps the plant grow. It is perfect for treating rotten orchids. Prepare a solution of 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 1 liter of boiled water and mix. Let cool completely and wash off any dirt. Pour the mixture into a plastic bottle and use it to fertilize the flowers. You can see how much this mixture affects their growth. But don’t use it constantly as it can dry out the orchid too much.
