Hey guys, I had this orchid plant ready for three years and today she looks her worst. I cut all the dead roots off and I repotted her and watered her. Is there anything I can do to keep her from dying all the way I really wish I could grow some more flowers.
First, I’d say be patient- an orchid that is not in full health will probably not bloom for you until it is recovered. Also, a stressed orchid is more prone to developing infections, so I would be very careful about the way you have water sitting in the crown and in the joints of the leaves- this can cause crown and stem rot, which in an already depleted plant would probably mean the end of it. Just water the bark- not any part of the leaves. The new leaf at the crown looks like good news. The rest of the orchid may be a little floppy and dehydrated, but that new one looks great. Remember to only water when the medium completely dries- or you’ll just rot the roots that are left. Your visible roots will go from that bright green color to a pretty silver, then you know it’s ok to water again. Then it’s just a matter of time.
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Sounds like you’ve already done some of the most important work! Honestly it doesn’t look too bad so Id expect it to recover, but don’t be too concerned if you see it drop an older leaf or two to accommodate for less roots (might not though). Mine is finally flowering again after 3 years - after I nearly lost her due to my own mistakes in orchid care while learning- and I chalk it up to finally giving her the right conditions and the fertilizer I use. I use an MSU fertilizer which has been scientifically designed and tested for orchids specifically. Specifically I bought the Tezula Plants MSU Orchid Fertilizer 13-3-15 - the Tap/Rain/RO formula - but any brand of MSU would probably work as long as you make sure it works with your water type. I like to keep mine in a clear pot so I can see the roots to determine when to water her (looks like yours is in a clear pot too). Don’t water until the roots look silver, then water thoroughly and avoid getting water in the crown. Make sure she’s getting plenty of bright light. They say to make sure it’s bright indirect light, but personally mine is doing great by a South-facing window where she gets a few direct hours each day. 🤷🏼♀️ She was also really happy in my greenhouse cabinet for a while so grow lights would also work if you don’t have the right kind of window. Good luck!
2 Likes oh I also left it outside in my screened in porch on nights when it was between 55-65 °F (definitely no colder than 50) to help trigger blooms, but people debate whether that’s really necessary or not. if it’s by a window it may experience enough temperature shifts on its own. I’m honestly not sure whether it helped or not to do that.
2 LikesIt can depend on the hybrid you have. Some are much more dependent on a drop in temperature because of where their ancestors evolved.
3 Likes good to know!
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