The orchid is a perennial flowering plant with evergreen foliage. This tropical plant likes warmth and humidity. It can be grown in pots, as a houseplant or in planters. There are different varieties of orchids, but the best known is the Phalaenopsis, also called the butterfly orchid. This plant is easy to care for, but it can wilt if not kept in the right conditions. Find out how to save your orchid in 5 steps.
To care for an orchid and keep it in good condition, you need to know its growing conditions. Sometimes, overwatering or underwatering can be fatal for your plant. Keep in mind, however, that it is possible to save your dying orchid.
How to save a dying orchid?
Step 1: Observe the orchid to determine the problem
To know how to care for your orchid, it is important to examine it well. This will help you recognize the reason for its wilting and determine whether it is dying or simply dormant. In fact, if you notice that its leaves are falling off, this does not mean that it is dead, but simply that it is entering a period of dormancy. If the foliage of your orchid is yellow, it means that it has been affected by a disease. If, on the other hand, it is dark green, it means that your plant is lacking light.
You will recognize a dying orchid by its leaves that look dehydrated and its roots that become soft, brown or even black. The main cause of the death of an orchid is overwatering, which leads to the rotting of its roots. However, you can save your plant if it still has healthy aerial roots.
Step 2: Clean the roots of the orchid
root soil
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Remove the soil from the roots – Source: spm
To clean the roots of your plant, it is important to gently remove it from the pot. Then remove all the pieces of soil attached to the roots. This can be the mulch, moss or bark used in the potting mix. Then rinse the roots with water to clean them of any attached debris.
Step 3: Cut off dead orchid roots
dead roots
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Cutting off dead roots – Source: spm
Using pruners or a pair of disinfected scissors, cut off roots that look soft, limp, brown or black. Keep only the roots that are green or have green tips. If the rot has also affected the stem, prune it just below the leaves, and remove any dehydrated or damaged leaves and petals.
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