---
title: "Hi guys! I was given two sad orchids, i’m trying to nurse them back…"
description: "Hi guys! I was given two sad orchids, i’m trying to nurse them back to life!! I have repotted both of them in clear, plastic nursery pots with lots of drainage…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/I9iYBEBUkVSWHIppiOAvo2"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Lauren"
published: "2026-04-23T23:49:28.592303Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mbTBiRAaYZmMFEutTms0Gp9oRdctVYTBk1vZ2pttZU0/A0pJxR7XRoCuTZ1kwzCYyw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi guys! I was given two sad orchids, i’m trying to nurse them back…

_Posted by Lauren on 2026-04-23_

Hi guys! I was given two sad orchids, i’m trying to nurse them back to life!! I have repotted both of them in clear, plastic nursery pots with lots of drainage holes and filed them with orchid bark. Any advice helps!

UPDATE!

My dendronium has a new shoot!!! (third photo) Unfortunately my Moth orchid has had no progress :(

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mbTBiRAaYZmMFEutTms0Gp9oRdctVYTBk1vZ2pttZU0/A0pJxR7XRoCuTZ1kwzCYyw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mbTBiRAaYZmMFEutTms0Gp9oRdctVYTBk1vZ2pttZU0/ClXihr4USHO8aFWIkZmZoA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/mbTBiRAaYZmMFEutTms0Gp9oRdctVYTBk1vZ2pttZU0/U_rwADYWTDWTAEWqVlsAUw.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Jen commented on 2026-04-24

It seems like you’ve cleaned away the right amount of dead roots on both of these orchids. For best chances of recovery, I would first cut the flower spikes, which only drain the plants. You want these guys to put all their energy into growing new roots. To help encourage that, I would gently peel away the tough old dried remains of leaf sheaths on the central stem of the first orchid, as that would just ease their way out. I also find it helpful to stake them so they aren’t super wobbly in the pot, again, just to help prevent damaging new tender roots.

#### Lauren replied on 2026-04-26

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

#### Jen replied on 2026-04-26

Good luck, and keep us posted!

### Waspinator commented on 2026-04-24

They're both mainly dealing with dehydration, so once they get some new roots going they should bounce back well. For the phal, I'd add a bit of sphag right up near the remaining roots since higher humidity can help encourage new growth. Dendrobiums are drought resistant and this one has both healthy canes and a new cane started, so it should be faster about getting re-established. I agree on staking them; stability really helps stressed plants. Plants appreciate sound, especially thunderstorms, so playing some music with a good beat can give them encouragement when there isn't anything else to do

#### Lauren replied on 2026-04-26

thank you for the message this really helped me

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