Lilith
First time taking care of orchids. I had received them in February fully bloomed. They dropped their flowers a few weeks ago. Are the stems just ready to go? Also help!? Why are their air roots turning black ? Any tips?
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First time taking care of orchids. I had received them in February… | The Orchid Oasis | Planta community
5 comments
- Jen
Looks like a little root burn in the top of your roots- I would guess you either have hard water where you live, or (😬) you were using ice cubes to water your plant. As far as the flower spikes, one looks to be drying out and you’d be fine to cut it back all the way to the base. As far as the still green one goes… there are 2 schools of thought. Some growers, included, would cut it down to the base as well. when flowers are finished, it’s a really good time to allow your plant all of its energy to grow leaves and roots and prepare for next year’s blooming. Other people prefer the chance of a second blooming, and would cut the stem about 1/2 an inch above the growth node just before the flowers began on any still green stem. It’s not assured you will get more flowers, but there’s a chance. Either way now is a good time to repot. If you decide to do that, ask the group for tips prior to starting. It can be intimidating for first time, orchid growers, but it really is in the best interest of your plant.
2 likes- Lilith
I have hard water where I’m at. Should I switch to distilled water? And thank you so much for your help. I’ve been looking at orchid mixes with the moss and new containers that could air out. Someone had also mentioned repotting in water? I have really low humidity where I’m at could that also be a factor on the roots ?
0 likes - Lilith
Also quick question? Are ice cubes good for orchids because my dad waters his everyday with ice cubes? Is that a better way?
0 likes - Jen
No, ice cubes are not a better way and can really damage your roots long term. I have hard water where I’m at as well. You don’t have to switch to distilled, just give your pot a good soak once a month and run water through it to rinse away the excess salts from hard water. It only tends to happen to the roots exposed at the top of the media for mine. You can also alternate between tapwater and distilled for waterings.
2 likes - Lilith
Thank you so much !! 😊
1 like