Their unorthodox lifestyle as an epiphyte does not mean that orchids will give up at the first problems. For example, dry shoots and leaves do not signal that the rainforest beauty has passed away. You can find out when an orchid is actually dead here.
How do you recognize a dead orchid?
An orchid is dead when all leaves have fallen or yellowed, flower stalks and pseudobulbs have dried down to the base, and all aerial roots appear brown, softened, or dried up. However, there is still hope for parts of the plant that are still green.
How to recognize a lifeless orchid
A single rotten leaf or dried flower stalk does not necessarily mean that the orchid is dead. Rather, it is a combination of symptoms that leave no doubt that there is no longer any life in a plant. What you should pay attention to:
- The leaves have either all fallen off or yellowed
- Flower stems and pseudobulbs have dried up to the base
- All aerial roots are brown, softened or dried out
As long as you can say no to one of these points, there is still hope for new shoots and subsequent flowering. Dendrobium orchids shed all their leaves before or after flowering, while the pseudobulbs remain green and later produce new buds. On Phalaenopsis it is normal for flower stalks to die off to make room for the next growth. In the network of aerial roots there is a constant growth and decay anyway.
Bringing a seemingly dead orchid to life – this is how it works
If an orchid still has green components, do not throw the plant away. With a little luck, you can breathe life back into the tropical flower with the following care program:
- Relocate to a bright, cooler location with temperatures 5 degrees lower than normal
- Cut off all completely dead leaves, shoots and bulbs
- Water sparingly and spray once a week
If you now pot the orchid around a fresh substrate (€9.00 on Amazon), this measure will have a revitalizing effect on growth. Take this opportunity to cut off any dried, brown aerial roots once you have potted the plant. It is important to note that you should never cut off green parts of an orchid.
Tip
When buying, do not choose orchids in full bloom. Instead, opt for a phalaenopsis with a few flowers and numerous buds. Properly cared for, thanks to this care you will be able to enjoy the tropical, opulent flowers for longer.
