---
title: "anyone have any tips for orchids? this is my first time and some of…"
description: "anyone have any tips for orchids? this is my first time and some of the leaves have already turned yellow and have fallen off. when i water it, how much water…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/6468ec8a80b5f40354d70143"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Emma"
published: "2023-05-20T15:51:38.067Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/m6tdbLrnWQXh-8SEcgFgnUt0RsvfNnctsS079RvEp1M/7ca3c6d94fab459c964dc999ffb39953.webp?size=large"
---

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# anyone have any tips for orchids? this is my first time and some of…

_Posted by Emma on 2023-05-20_

anyone have any tips for orchids? this is my first time and some of the leaves have already turned yellow and have fallen off. when i water it, how much water should i give at a time?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/m6tdbLrnWQXh-8SEcgFgnUt0RsvfNnctsS079RvEp1M/7ca3c6d94fab459c964dc999ffb39953.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### KelOlivi commented on 2023-05-20

My in laws bought this super simple to use watering system that I would suggest to any new orchid mom or dad. They can be fussy about too much/little water (yellowing leaves could mean either). These pots basically are clear so you can keep an eye on the roots and you plant the orchid in sphagnum moss. They have you submerge the orchid (bottom only) in water 5 mins a week and that’s literally it. I’d suggest trying something like that once she stops flowering. Remember all the energy from the plant is being dedicated to the flowers so fertilizing on a schedule will also help it.

#### Emma replied on 2023-05-21

thank you so much! i will be sure to try this out!

### Anna commented on 2023-05-21

i gave my grandma an orchid around 12 years ago and it’s still absolutely thriving. it blooms a different color every time and it’s beautiful, and it’s aerial roots are now almost as tall as me. this might sound odd but she told me all she does is give it 1-2 ice cubes a week. it sounded weird to me, but it’s obviously worked amazing since it’s still alive! also, i’ve heard orchids are sensitive to ethylene gas so make sure they aren’t around ripening fruits and vegetables

#### Elin replied on 2023-05-21

Note that Ice cubes can work for some but they can also harm the orchid since they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

### MeasomerPi commented on 2023-05-22

I would check the roots. Healthy roots are silver when dry and green when wet. Often the bark in newly acquired plants will be degraded to the point that it needs to be replaced, or the sphagnum is too tightly packed.

Good luck. Phals are wonderful plants.

#### Michelle🌼 replied on 2023-05-22

This ☝️💯

### Vanessa 🐛 commented on 2023-05-26

I have an orchid and what I recommend to people is to get a clear pot so you can see the roots. I water my orchid when the roots look grey and dry. When the roots are well watered, they should look green and plump. I hope that helps :)

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