Weak orchids? Here is a tip how to help orchids thrive again

Even beautiful plants as orchids can succumb to disease or infection and if they do, they will lose their beauty quickly. But because your orchid has a problem it does not mean that you have to throw it away. However, to prevent the disease from spreading, you should isolate the sick plant from others as soon as possible. Keep in mind though that a big change in environment may also harm it so, try to provide conditions as similar as possible (provided that your orchid does not wither as a result of bad environment).

First aid for a sick orchid

An orchid that is suspiciously “on sale” may have a weak root system. If you do not like the appearance, check the roots first. Not all roots are hidden in the soil, so you can check the condition of those you see. They should be grey-green (usually green after watering, later gray) and firm, not shrivelled. If the plant has at least a few viable roots, there is a chance that it will survive. Transplanting is the first aid.

Photo: Pixabay

Transplanting

Carefully remove the plant and remove soil on roots. A good idea is to cut off flowers and get rid of all rotten dry and soft roots. You can treat open cuts with ground cinnamon. The new pot must be clean, transparent and with lots of holes on the walls and bottom. The goal is to create a new root system. Do not water the plant for 4 to 10 days after transplanting. An exception to this rule is if roots get gray and if that is the case, sprinkle the pot gently with water (water may contain a bit of fertilizer).

Orchid with no roots. Remedy No.1

If your orchid has no root system but the part above the ground looks ok, it may still be saved. Transfer it to a moist peat moss. Make sure to maintain constant temperature and humidity. In winter you should provide an artificial lightingNew roots should form under these conditions. As soon as you see new roots – 5 cm long, you can transplant into a flower pot. When you do, care for the transplanted orchid as you would for a healthy orchid.

Orchid with no roots. Remedy No.2

If you do not have a peat moss available, you can try another way. Take a glass with water (ideally distilled) and put the orchid in it but above the water. Make sure the plant does not touch the surface of the water – it will only draw moisture from it. You may spray leaves with water from time to time to retain moisture. Again, provide an artificial lighting and new roots should develop in about three weeks (based on the season).

Source: https://vsaduidoma.com/pl/2018/05/15/uhod-za-zabolevshim-neuhozhennym-falenopsisom-moj-opyt-i-otzyvy-o-sposobah/

Preview photo: Pixabay