This was my first orchid and she was thriving until winter time came and she shed all her buds and started getting floppy. I’ve been trying for months to get it healthy again but no luck. I need an experienced Orchid parent’s advice — is she save-able or should I move her to the graveyard 😭 ?
How do her roots look? I might be mistaken but I believe the roots like a bit of light too, maybe try her in a clear pot with really chunky bark, when the roots look silverish they need water and when they appear greenish I believe they are hydrated 😊 this is just what I have been told/advice from others, I hope she gets well soon!
2 Me gusta Roots are silverish! This is very helpful, thank you!!
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Your plant is dehydrated. That could be from too little water or too much water. As Holly123 suggested, check the roots. Healthy roots are firm, silver (when dry), green (when wet) or creamy yellow (typically roots that aren’t exposed to light). Anything that is papery, mushy, black or brown is dead or dying and should be removed. If you see any roots that are thin and wirey they are also dead and should be removed. If the majority of the roots look healthy, then it is likely a case of too little water. You can increase the frequency of water. I personally like to soak the pot for 15 minutes each time I water. If the majority are dead, then I would operate under the assumption it has been overwatered. If that is the case, replace the media with fresh. If possible use a clear orchid pot (they have extra ventilation to help the roots dry faster). They also help you monitor the root health. If there are some viable roots, I would repot with similar media but lean towards more bark. That and the ventilated pot will help it to dry out faster. If all the roots are dead, I would fill the bottom 3/4 of the pot with bark the top 1/4 with 50% sphagnum / 50% bark, and top dress the pot with sphagnum. This should keep moisture closer to the plant without water logging the base. You might also consider tenting the plant to up the humidity. You can check out Miss Orchid Girl on YouTube. She has a ton of videos about orchid care that are very accessible.
4 Me gusta Thank you so much!
1 me gustaI second soaking the roots in lukewarm water, but only do this if your orchid is in a clear pot with lots of drainage holes that can be removed form the decorative pot. Drain all the water and let it sit in the sink to get out any extra water, otherwise it could sit in the decorative pot and cause root rot.
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