I am determined to be successful at growing my orchids. My flowers recently died. The leaves are looking wrinkly and not stiff like a typically healthy orchid. I was thinking they weren’t getting enough light so I moved them to a south facing window. Any suggestions? I do have them in orchid soil. Do I cut the stems all the way back? Help please? 🙏🏻
They aren’t getting enough water. How are you watering them ?
0 Likes I was just water through until the water is draining from the bottom and following plantas advice.
0 Likes I water when Planta tells me too but I give them a really thorough soak for a good 5-10 minutes. Mine are in clear slot pots with orchid bark
1 Like From the top.
0 Likes I’ll start trying this. I think that would be good.
0 LikesSo, these are both looking dehydrated. The first thing I’d do is to cut the flower spikes down to the base. Then you have to assess WHY they are dehydrated. Are you watering them frequently enough? If not, that could be the cause of the dehydration. Here’s the kinda tricky thing about orchids- they need water of course, but the roots need air just as much. So if they have been OVER watered, then you might have root rot, in which case, the roots are basically mush and the plant can’t take in any more water, and therefore it’s dehydrated. Does that make sense? It looks like you have them in clear plastic inner pots- take a look at the roots. When they are silvery grey, water. When they are green, leave them alone. Are the pots ventilated, with holes or slits? You want a bit of airflow.
4 Likes They are ventilated. I was thinking they needed more water so I did water but I think I may have triggered it by too much direct sunlight when I placed them in the window about a month ago. Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it.
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Try taking out the clear plastic pots when you water them and you can bottom water them, the roots love some sun exposure because in nature they grow off of trees. It might also be a good idea to give it some new bark or orchid food so it has more energy to focus on regrowth!
1 Like Thank you. I’ll try that. I understand some orchids lose their flowers. So you know if both of these types should still have them?
0 LikesAll orchids lose their flowers eventually. It’s like any other flowering plant- they bloom, fade, wilt, and bloom again after a period of vegetative growth.
1 Like Thank you for that. I thought some can remain in bloom year round but I guess that’s not the case.
1 Like Nope they have a cycle they go through. It’s fun to watch. Good Luck !
1 Like