Pitiful, the flowerless stems tower above limp leaves and dried-out bulbs towards the sky. Orchids with this appearance will get you going again with a targeted wellness program. Using the ever-popular Phalaenopsis as an example, we'll explain to you here how you can revive dead orchids.
How can you grow orchids successfully?
To revive limp orchids, you should first repot the plant, remove dried roots and bulbs and use fresh orchid soil. Afterwards, optimal care with regular watering, spraying, fertilizing and suitable site conditions is crucial for their recovery.
Repotting cheers up tired orchids - this is how it works
The orchid soil will be exhausted no later than 3 years after purchase. The organic components have decomposed, so unnecessary pressure is now being exerted on the aerial roots. The dropping of flowers and wrinkled, limp leaves indicate the problem. Other causes, such as dryness or waterlogging, are also cured by this measure. Here's how to do it:
- Dip the root ball in soft water to make the root strands more supple
- Then unpot the orchid to completely remove the old substrate
- Cut off dried, dead aerial roots and bulbs with a clean knife
- In the new culture pot, create a 2 cm high drainage made of expanded clay
- Pour some fresh orchid soil on top
With a twist of your wrist, pot the orchid and refill the remaining substrate. A Phalaenopsis does not want to be watered or dipped straight away. Instead, in the first few days after repotting, spray the plant daily with lime-free water.
This care releases fresh floral forces
Once the butterfly orchid has recovered from the stress of repotting, adopt the following care program to encourage renewed blooms:
- Dive in soft, lukewarm water once or twice a week in summer, less frequently in winter
- Spray daily with a gentle mist of lime-free water
- From April to September/October, fertilize every 4 weeks with liquid orchid fertilizer
- Protect the south window from direct sunlight
Phalaenopsis and other types of orchids can encourage fresh growth by lowering the temperature. For this purpose, the plants occupy a bright location with temperatures not exceeding 16 degrees Celsius for 4 to 6 weeks.
Tip
No matter how droopy your orchids appear; As long as there are still green leaves, shoots and aerial roots on them, please do not cut them off. Only when a part of the plant has completely died can it be cut off.
