---
title: "Tips for rescuing a clearance shelf orchid who is looking sad ??? I…"
description: "Tips for rescuing a clearance shelf orchid who is looking sad ??? I put it in a north east facing window that just gets direct sunlight in the morning, gave it…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/QZiMDqf287J0jkqeS2X27k"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Lilyinbloom"
published: "2025-07-20T02:35:31.778927Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/jdwFYeHwL8PibcjpbDWw0iL6pfVXXtRxOglkGogBXLc/id5Vdr42T8-7Afd8ELfYlg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Tips for rescuing a clearance shelf orchid who is looking sad ??? I…

_Posted by Lilyinbloom on 2025-07-20_

Tips for rescuing a clearance shelf orchid who is looking sad ??? I put it in a north east facing window that just gets direct sunlight in the morning, gave it orchid food spray, and plan to change the pot and soil to a larger one with orchid substrate. Any tips are greatly appreciated, I’m new to the orchid community :)

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/jdwFYeHwL8PibcjpbDWw0iL6pfVXXtRxOglkGogBXLc/id5Vdr42T8-7Afd8ELfYlg.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Kara commented on 2025-07-20

grow them in water! remove all the moss and soil clean up / cut up the bad roots then place them in water! this is how I do all of mine now lol

### Kara commented on 2025-07-20

just make sure the water is just over the roots and not completely submerged.

### Waspinator commented on 2025-07-20

Check for root rot when you repot it. If it needs help for that, treat with hydrogen peroxide. Otherwise, learn the visual difference between dry and happy roots, don't get the crown wet, and never use ice cubes.

#### Lilyinbloom replied on 2025-07-20

I hear that I should water when the roots are silver ?

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-07-20

Yep. They are silver and smooth when dry, an apple-green when wet, and they turn silver and shrivel when dehydrated. Healthy roots can also be white when they haven't been exposed to light

### Michelle’s Hobby commented on 2025-07-30

I’ve been told never sit the roots in water, have water level just under roots. Even if you’re orchid LECA.

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