These are the most common orchid questions I get and a link to my previous post in regards to their answers. I am also constantly updating each post that I have already completed, as I learn more information, so check back! My answers are not exhaustive but I hope they are helpful and if you have questions or comments please leave them. Or if you have a topic that you would like for me to research and post about, please leave that too.
1. How much should I water my orchid? CLICK HERE.
NOTE: the most common mistake of any new orchid grower is over-watering an orchid which produces root rot and a myriad of other problems. Make sure your doing this right before anything else. This mistake and orchids not having a drainage hole is a deadly combination.
2. How do I repot an orchid? CLICK HERE.
3. Why won’t my orchid bloom? CLICK HERE.
4. How do I tell the difference between a root and a spike? CLICK HERE.
5. How do I stake my orchids? CLICK HERE.
6. How much light does my orchid need? CLICK HERE.
7. Am I suppose to fertilize my orchid? CLICK HERE.
8. My orchid has either gnats, fungus and/or on it. What should I do? CLICK HERE.
9. Why are my orchid leaves turning yellow? CLICK HERE.
10. Is it okay to mist orchids? CLICK HERE.
Do you have a question? I love helping people out and answering questions!
Here is some info on that:
I welcome questions but overall if you read the other blog post first on watering, fertilizing, repotting etc. it helps both of us know what is going on a little more before you ask a question. I sometimes get people who are so excited about orchids (like me) that they ask a question before reading the other blog post and then I spend a lot of time linking those post in my answers :)
When leaving a comment or emailing – please answer these questions;
- How long you have had your orchid?
- What type of orchid it is – it’s fine if you don’t know
- What the problem/question is
- How are you watering it? How much and and how often?
- Does it have a drainage hole? Please read this first * (See below)
- Also a picture of your “troubled” orchid helps. If you can’t take a picture that is fine.
Orchids with NO drainage holes.
* This is a very common thing for florist to pot orchids in pots like these but it actually kills orchids. Orchids need to have total drainage or their roots smother and die as explained here..
Look for an inner pot inside the white one. If it has one take it out and discard the white pot. If it doesn’t -find a similar size pot with drainage and place it in there until the blooms fall of naturally and then repot it.
If you totally repot while in bloom the blooms may prematurely fall off because repotting shocks and orchid.
Once you have the orchid in a pot with drainage let it totally dry out before watering it again and then when you go to water – water it this way…
Note: Here are pictures I took at local grocery stores for your reference. These are potted in non draining pots.
Hope that helps and let me know if you have further questions,
Hannah
I have received a beautiful plant form the florist that looks like a purple moth orchid. It has absolutely no leaves but an abundance of flowering stems and is in a white ceramic pot with no drainage. I do not know how to care for it and do not understand why it has no leaves.? Is this a deliberate presentation choice and if so why? Does not having leaves mean it will die when it is finished blooming as it also has a lot of buds on it that are yet to bloom.
Hi,
You are always welcome to send a picture to myfirstorchid@gmail.com but check out these links.
No leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
Make sure it’s potted in a singular pot (not two pots) with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2015/09/06/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Hannah
Help! I have 2 orchids that I tied to a tree outside in hopes they would attach and make it home. They were both doing great and one still looks ok. But they aren’t attaching, and the roots look questionable. I try and mist the roots every morning and check for any signs of problems. I removed dead leaves with a sterile blade but I just don’t know if I’m doing it right. Id hate to lose them. Any help is appreciated. I thought about repotting until it was super healthy again and reattaching after. Also I have photos but don’t know how to attach
You can send me photos at myfirstorchid@gmail.com – I also have a post on growing orchids outdoors.
Hannah
Hello I was at the grocery store last night and I seen this orchid In a clear plastic pot that was broken down the side and also looked like the flower had been broken off it has about an inch long stem where the flower would have been.. But anyway I bought it cause I am like that and it was 50cents lol.. Now the green leaves on it are beautiful there are 6 of them.. My question is what should I do should I trim the flower stem all the way Down will it regrow new flowers?? And should I put it in another pot since the one it is in is ripped?? Email me please
Hi,
You want to trim the bloom stem down the base when it’s done blooming and when it blooms again it will be from an entirely different spot.
You can repot now if now if you like.
Cutting a stem back
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
Hannah
I’m going to send you a pic to your email with a question so I make sure I’m cutting them right I’m sorry for contacting you again but I’m really excited and worried that I don’t want to put the plant through any more stress who knows what it’s been through in the grocery store..
Hi,
Sounds good. You want to cut about a half inch from the base.
Hannah
Hi, I’ve had my orchid for barely a week. Not sure what type of orchid. I’ve read your tips on watering, and that’s how I’ll be watering it from now on. And the pot it’s in, has a drainage hole. And it’s a clear cup. So my problem, I noticed one flower bloomed and the middle part, that sticks out and bright with color; it’s black and shriveled. But the peddles look fine. Another bloomed this morning and looked completely healthy and normal. I was wondering, is the one that has the black and shriveled middle, will it recover? If not, do I cut it off?
Hi,
No it won’t recover. That’s called Bud Blast and it happens sometimes.
Bud Blast
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/bud-blast-2/
You can cut it off or let it fall off.
Hannah
Hi i got this beautiful orchid for Mother’s Day do I leave it in this plastic wrap or take it out and is it’ in the right size pot for now be so grateful for your help x
Hi,
Make sure it’s potted in a singular pot (not two pots) with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2015/09/06/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Just remove it from the decorative pot and don’t put it back in. Leave it in the inner pot. Orchids like air flow and clear pots also help with photosynthesis.
Hannah
Hello, I just got my first mini orchid from Home Depot and it has a wrap around the roots, should i leave that on or take it off? the pot is pretty small as well but I dont know if it needs extra room in another pot or what. The roots due to the wrap in the pot are a little constricted but i am not sure. I will send pictures to your gmail.
Thank you so much!
I will answer you on the email,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I hope you’re having a happy new year’s eve!
I got my plant as a secretary’s day gift in 2014, so that makes it approx 20 mos – 2 years old. It was a grocery store “just add ice” orchid. Around April or May this year I repotted it to a larger pot with new potting mix. I also water it once a week and give it miracle grow orchid food once a month normally; every 2 weeks during growth spurts. I live in NY and work in a very dry cool office w/florescent lighting and a south facing window which my plant sits near.
So far I’ve gotten it to grow new leaves (no new spikes, yet). My issue is that all the new leaves are smaller than the original ones, and it’s recent growth spurt has the leaves coming in even smaller. I emailed you pictures of my orchid so you can see what I mean (subject: Phalaenopsis Orchid Leaf Growth Question). The 2 largest leaves at the bottom are the original leaves from when I first received it. The next 2 leaves were last years growth, and the newest 3 leaves (including the bud) are from the past 3 months.
I think I’m doing something wrong and I’d really like to not kill this plant. This orchid is the longest living plant i have ever had, and I’m a card-carrying brown thumb serial plant killer. Everyone in my office is amazed that this plant is still alive (as am I). Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I hope to one day get it to flower again, but for right now, I’ll settle for big healthy leaves.
Thank you, and Happy 2016,
Laura
I responded to your email :)
I have a Phalaenopsis orchid which I have had for about 2 years. It’s already gone thru one bloom cycle and now it is about to go thru another. This year I noticed that the size of spike and flower buds are significantly smaller than last year. I water it when needed, the pots that I have, have drainage and the orchids are placed in my bathroom which is south facing and has a skylight. Not sure what going on. Plz help.
Hi,
I would bet that when you bought it it had come from a nursery where they pumped growth hormones etc into it. It may need to just adjust to normal care. There is a probiotic from repotme that helps with bigger blooms that I use…
http://www.repotme.com/orchid-fertilizer/Quantum-Orchid.html?no_redirect=true
Hannah
Hello! I read through most of your pages here, but didn’t find anything to answer my questions:
I was gifted my orchid a little over a month ago. The blooms are starting to yellow and have stopped blooming. The air roots look like they’re dying, dried and withered. I only watered when the material at the bottom felt dry. About once a week or less. Am I not watering enough? I watered as you advised today, after reading your blog. And the pot does have a drainage hole.
I’ve had it sitting on my bedside table, but it wasn’t getting much light so I moved it to a windowsill. The curtain was touching the plant, could that have withered the roots?
Also the variety is not listed ANYWHERE on it. Just got a very vague tag with a link to a different generic blog. I think it might be a Phalaenopsis of some kind. Not much help, but it has white petals with sort of magenta veins throughout.
Hope it’s not too late to save this pretty orchid!
Hi,
Blooms dying shortly after you got a plant is normal as shown here…
Orchid blooms falling off naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
An aerial roots just tend to look bad as shown here…
Aerial Roots
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
It sounds like you are watering correctly. The curtains would not mess anything up unless it was knocked over.
You can always send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com and I can take a look to see which type of orchid it is,
Hannah
New orchid buyer. My blooms fell off and bottom leaves turned bright yellow. HELP!!!!
Hi,
Orchid blooms falling off very soon after you buy it is normal as shown here…
Orchid blooms falling off naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
And the leaves at the bottom turning yellow can be normal as well as shown here…
Yellow leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
Make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2015/09/06/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Hannah
Hi! I got my orchid (little lady orchid?) as a gift about a month and a half ago. I though I was doing a great job taking care of it until a week ago when all the flowers started to dry out and fall. Now it just has a little bud but it’s turning yellow, as well as the leaves! I’ve been watering it every Sunday, which I realize now, after reading your blog, is a mistake even though I live in new york and the climate is reaaaally dry this time of the year. My pot has a hole on the bottom and I’ve been giving it 3/4 cup of water and leaving it all day in the sink to drain the water out so without knowing it I was actually doing something right! Also, the instructions say I need to keep it in a temperature between 55 and 75 degrees farenheit and the days here have been really cold (between 30 and 45 degrees farenheit), could it have something to do with that? I also put it on my windowsill so it gets light. I don’t know what else you need to know but could you tell with that information if it’s dying? If it is, what can I do to save it? If it’s not, what is happening to it? I’ve never had a flower before and I’m pretty excited about keeping this one alive. I could send pictures of it if needed. Please help me?
Claudia :)
Hi,
Well I doubt it’s 30-45 degrees in you house:) the normal heat from you house will warm it. And placing it by a window is good.
The flowers falling off is normal as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
The bud shriveling up can be a myriad of things but most likely do to it being moved around…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/bud-blast-2/
The best thing you can do for your orchid is to make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2015/09/06/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
You can always send me a picture of it at myfirstorchid@gmail.com
Hannah
I went to check it and now the leaves are falling off too! It just has the two bottom ones left. 😰 Did I drown my orchid?😭
I sent you a message – it sounds like root rot.
Hannah
I saw your pictures of orchids at the grocery store and yes, I have bought some like that but they were in another pot with holes inside the fancy looking pot. But, 3 of mine died because I over watered but I still have them because the leaves are a deep pretty green. I have really enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks
You are welcome:) I have a post on taking those kind of pots out of the other pots – I don’t know if you saw it…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Hannah
Hi,
After reading your blog briefly I kinda realise some of the mistakes I was making with my new (and first) orchid. I think there is too much water sitting at the base of my plastic put (with no drainage holes). Is it advisable to pull out the plant to check on the roots?
Thanks!
Hi,
First I would remove it from the pot with no drainage…
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
And I would only water it when it’s very dry.
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Just remove it from the decorative pot and don’t put it back in. Leave it in the inner pot (if it doesn’t have one then find a similar size one with drainage holes and place it in there). Orchids like air flow and clear pots also help with photosynthesis.
Let it completely dry out before you water it again.
Is it in bloom?
Hannah
I have some orchid bulbs that are a couple of years old and I was wondering if they were still good and will grow.
That’s a great question – I have never grown my own. I would ask the people from http://www.repotme.com under the contact section. They are very knowledgable and answer questions pretty quickly.
Hannah
Hannah – I’ve had five Phalaenopsis orchids for nearly 15 years, with no problems. Two of these orchids were given to me by someone else who had them for 4-5 years without getting them to bloom, and they bloomed within 3 months of arriving and then continued to bloom in the manner they should for the next seven years. All told, I’ve had a steady supply of beautiful flowers for 15 years. Now, it’s as if they’ve all given out, all together. Is this possible? Do orchids finally reach a point where they’re so old they’ll no longer bloom? I’ve been without any blooms for six months, which has never happened, and I’m very worried. Also, I was given one small one by a friend who thought he was taking it to “sick bay” (since I was so successful for so long), and I told him I would return the orchid to him when it bloomed. That was five years ago – and it still hasn’t bloomed. What are your thoughts? I think I’m ready to buy new orchids.
Hi,
Orchids don’t get too old to bloom but they can act funky if their environment changes which it doesn’t seem to from what you have said. They typically bloom once a year.
Has anything changed? Did you move? Did you change their location in the house?
Hannah
Hello,
I have had a miltoniopsis orchid for about 3 months now. It seems to be doing well, but am not sure about how to get it to rebloom. I have been setting it near an open window to give it a temp drop at night, but don’t think it is enough. Is this temp drop crucial to have every night, or is it just really important right before it spikes? When would that be? It finished blooming in mid-July.
Also, a lot of the leaves have little splits and nicks in them, do you know what would cause that splitting?
Thanks!
I don’t know if it’s relevant, but it is in a clay pot with a drainage hole and I water it about twice a week to keep the medium damp. When should I cut back on watering for the winter? I also mist it and keep it near a humidity tray.
Hi,
Watering it twice a week is too much. I water my orchids a few times a month. You want the medium to be very dry before you water it. If it’s moist all the time the roots will rot. Check out my post on watering.
Hannah
Hi,
The little nicks and splits could be from the shipping process.
Orchids typically bloom once a year so you may need to wait for it to get on a normal cycle. The temp drop does help but it may not be ready to bloom yet.
As long as it’s near a shady window, has complete drainage and you only water it when it’s dry you should be fine.
Hannah
Thanks for your advice, but isn’t the miltoniopsis a variety that should be damp all the time? Also, I know it’s not ready to bloom yet (it’s growing) but I wasn’t sure how important the temp drop was. Does it need to happen every night for the months up until it blooms or just a week or so before it would start after the new growths are mature? Thanks! You have a lovely site :)
Just a week or so and I don’t believe any orchid should be wet all the time – I could be wrong I have never heard that :)
Hi
I have hat my potted orchid for nearly a year and it was doing really well… Until I got home from being away and it has no leaves is wet as and covered in white fuzzy mild :(
Will it come back from near death?
Hi,
How was it wet? Did someone water it? Fuzz is normally fungus or rot. Are there no leaves at all? If so then there is nothing much you can do…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
I am so sorry this happened.
Hannah
I have an orchid which was presented to me a year ago. I’m not sure what kind it is but it had beautiful purple flowers. It was doing well but suddenly the new shoot and the two new leaves have shrivelled up completely. I usually water the plant once a week or once in two weeks after checking how moist the roots are. My plant is in a drainable plastic pot which i water and drain before putting into the non drainable pot. I also feed it with orchid food after watering. Trying hard to save it but there’s nothing but roots left And the place from where the leaves grow seems withered too…
Hi,
Unfortunately if it has no leaves then it most likely will not survive…
No leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
I don’t know if this is due to the pot it’s in because you did say you fully drain it before putting it back but orchids don’t like the extra non draining decorative pot. They need total drainage and air flow.
Also it has to be very very dry before you water it. I water my orchids a few times a month.
Either way I am sorry,
Hannah
Can an mini orchard be left without a stake so it may trail?
Hi,
What do you mean by trail?
Hannah
I have had my mini a little over a month. I put an ice cube in it once a week. It had been doing well and now the blooms are sagging. The leaves are not as firm. It does have a drain hole. I will send u a picture to your email.
Got your email and responded:)
Hi
I’ve got an orchid, I don’t know what type is but it has tiger coloured flowers
The problem is the roots became yellow and the orchid starts to be very soft looks ready to die. In the directions says to water the plant once every week.
What I should do to save my plant?
Thank you
Hi,
You can always send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com but first –
Make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Hannah
So I got a phalaenopsis orchid 5 months ago at a local grocery store. Once all of the blooms fell off the spike (5 months later) I clipped it down to the first node but 1/2- 1in. above it. What has happened now it that part has turned brown/yellow. But below it is green. I water my orchid once a week and I make sure that it is not moist on the bottom so it won’t develop mold. And it does have a drainage hole. I don’t know if I should cut the spike all the way down but I’m afraid it will kill the plant. So far all of the leaves are still green. I have not fertilized it yet.
Hi,
Yes I would cut it down to the base because when it blooms again (sends up a new spike) it will be from an entirely different spot on the orchid.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
Hannah
I got this giant clythium (sp?) Orchid in February. It was 6 bulbs in one pot with 2.5ft tall leaves. I was giving it a cup or water a month and misting the leaves once a week. It was doing great till about a month ago when it slowly started dying bulb by bulb. I took it to Bachman’s and they said to cut off the dead plants and repot it. Its been half a week since then and the healthy plants are dying! What can I do!?! Now I am done to two health bulbs and one dieing and 3 already gone. :(
Hi Sara,
I am so sorry this happened to you! I would water it a bit more (I have literally never written that as a response to anyone because most people over water their orchids). I water my orchids a few times a month. And I do it this way which I recommend-
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Basically as soon as your orchid gets totally dry then water it by flushing water though the whole plant. Then wait again for it to be completely dry and repeat.
So does the new pot have drainage holes? Did the old pot have drainage holes?
Is it placed in shady sun (indoor or outdoor) – not direct sunlight?
Hannah
Hi, I got an orchid in May 2015. When I got it the flowers were in bloom and have already fallen off. So I cut their spikes down. The problem I have is the leaves I had two older leaves already die and fall off. Here is the problem I had two green leaves but one was turning yellow and the other was green. I take the plant out of the ceramic pot while it still in its plastic pot to water it and when I lifted it out of the ceramic one the green leaf fell off. Before the green one fell off the one turning yellow already fell off. Did I kill this plant? I water it once a week and make sure the water is drained out before putting it back in the ceramic pot. Will it grow back? I see green roots in the plastic pot. Please help. Thank you Debbie
Debbie,
I would remove it from the ceramic pot all together. Orchids need total drainage and air flow. Keep it in the inner pot.
You only want to water it when it is totally dry. Like dry down by the roots.
If it grows new leaves they will grow from the top not the bottom.
So make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
See if this helps it perk up,
Hannah
The flower stalks are turning yellow & flowers dropping. It HAS grown 2 new unflowered stalks.
Hi,
Is this is in reference to another post you did?
Hannah
Hi Hannah
I just love your site. First time asking something. Can I attach a foto to a question I’m asking you?
Thanks – Helcio
Hi,
You can send me pictures at myfirstorchid@gmail.com it’s easier for me to see them.
Hannah
Hello!
My boyfriend got me a phalaenopsis orchid. I’m scared that I am taking poor condition of it! I water it about every 7-10 days and let the water drain through the pot. I’ve had it since about mid May! I Think it needs to be reported, the airborne roots are turning brown and drying up at the end. Another concern of mine is that one of the stems at the top is turning yellow. Perhaps too much sun or too little water?
I will send you a picture to myfirstorchid@gmail.com!
help a new orchid owner:)
I’d hate to lose this pretty flower
-Rebecca
Hi Rebecca,
I got your pictures :)
Orchid blooms falling off is typically normal. Once the blooms fall off you can cut the stem back the base. When it blooms again it will bloom from an entirely different spot and a different stem.
Click on the below to links.
Orchid Bloom dying naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Cutting an orchid stem
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
Make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water when it’s VERY dry. I am concerned that the saucer at the bottom of your pot could be collecting water and that is not good.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
The aerial roots will look like that and are not cause for concern even though they are a bit ugly.
Aerial Roots
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
Let me know if that helps and makes sense,
Hannah
Thank you so much for all the links! Yes it makes sense so far. I was just conceded about the stem turning yellow at the top. The sauce pan is removed, I left it there so the excess drip from watering wouldn’t stain the desk. But it’s gone now! I just had one question: do I need to wait for the other stem to finish blooming or can I go ahead and cut back the stem that is beginning to die?
Thanks again!
-Rebecca
Hi,
Yes you can cut the dead one back if you like while the other one is in bloom. Just don’t cut any of the healthy green part.
Hannah :)
So I would just cut it down to the bottom of the yellow and leave the rest of the stem alone?
Just clarifying:)
-Rebecca
Yes – that is correct. Did I ever link the post on cutting stems? I forgot…
Cutting a stem back
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
Hannah
Hi,
I have had my taller orchid for about 6 months, and my smaller one for 4 months. The taller one is a Western orchid and the other one is phalaenopsis. Both were doing super great and now both, especially the taller one, have been browning. They both stated by losing their flowers, then their leafs turned yellow and fell off. Are they dying? Can I save them and get them to bloom ever again? They were doing so well and I worry I did something wrong. I water them both once a week and fertilize them every other week, i make sure to mix the fertilizer with water. I make sure to water them and then check with my finger that is it enough, and i give them plenty of time to drain. They both have a drainage hole(s)
I have a picture and uploaded it onto my Google plus, the link to the website is below.
Please help :)
Hi,
Any way you could send those pics to myfirstorchid@gmail.com – I can’t seem to open them here.
Do they have any leaves left?
Do you make sure they are totally dry before watering them? I water my orchids a few times a month.
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Orchids typically bloom once a year. The blooms falling off is normal as shown here.
Orchid blooms falling off naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Some leaves turning yellow can be normal as shown here..
Yellow leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
But no leaves = can’t be saved.
No leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
Let me know,
Hannah
I bought a “mini” orchid at Lowes for $1. It had 1 completely dead stem and another that is almost dead. The media and roots were soaked!!! I pulled it from its little pot and removed the smelly, wet media. I noticed some of the roots are green but some are yellow. Should I snip off the yellow ones? I have Better Gro potting media and fertilizer.
Thanks
Lori
Hi Lori,
Only snip off black rotting mushy roots. Leave green, white and yellow ones.
Hannah
Hi
It’s a comman orchid (I think) I’ve had it about 7 weeks, and is watered once a week the pot is an orchid pot and has plenty of drainage. It lost the top flowers n stalks through being droped I kept it regardless and it’s grown again I just wanted to know if I can cut off the broken stalks and if so how far or how much? thanks :)
Hi,
I have a whole post on this. Let me know if it doesn’t make sense…
Cutting a stem back
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
I always cut my stems back to the base,
Hannah
My orchid leaves are falling off. Roots doesnot look gd
Hi,
Is it potted in a pot with a drainage hole?
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
How often and how much do you water it? It should only be watered when very dry.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Some yellowing leaves can be normal but f they are all falling off at once that can be bad.
No leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
Yellow leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
Hannah
Hannah
Hi there hoping you can HELP. I have had my orchids for 4 yes. I transplanted them in a pot for orchids with holes and the orchid bark stuff. I didn’t know at that time just putting ice on them like in the past was not the way to water them. The nursery by me said I needed to soak it so the roots get water. Then after realizing that the roots were getting much water due to the height of the pot and my sink not being that deep. I see the leaves dying slowly. I took it all apart cut all the dead stuff away in hopes to help it. I bought a pot not so tall that the whole thing gets wet when watering. Is there anything else I can do to save my plants?
Hi,
I would let it completely dry out before watering it again and then water it this way…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
I never soak orchids. Soaking an orchid for too long can cause root rot. Orchid roots are very susceptible to rot.
Make sure it is completely dry before you water every time. Like dry down by the roots.
Hope that helps,
Hannah
Hi I am wondering if you have any experience or opinion on the “sphag and bag” method of promoting root growth in a Phal orchid. I have one sick mama plant who is sprouting a keiki and I am desperately trying to save her. She only has one small root and one not great looking aerial root. 4 leaves, all very wilted and limp. The biggest leaf on my keiki is also starting to wilt and I want so badly for both to survive…!
Hi,
I am sorry I am not experienced with that technique. I would just make sure it is potted in a pot with good drainage and you only water it when it is very dry.
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
I have had orchid come back from much worse.
Hannah
Hi there, just discovered your awesome blog and hope you might be able to help me! My lovely orchid has been really healthy and happy for the year I’ve had it and suddenly the stems are starting to go yellow from the tips down. I’ve read all about cutting back after flowering but the thing it the orchid has just grown loads of new branches and lots of flower heads are getting ready to open, so I’m not sure what’s wrong/what to do!
I’m not sure what type it is and I usually mist the leaves every couple of days. It has drainage holes and I’ve just learnt about not letting it sit in water, which I had been doing but I say it had been happy for a year. I did move the position (to one other orchids are very happy in) but have since moved it back to where it started on the windowsill.
Any thoughts and advise would be really welcome as I really don’t want to have to cut the whole stems back when there are so many flowers just waiting to come out. The last bunch suddenly all fell off one day and now it’s very sad. Many thanks for your help! Sophie :)
Hi,
I can’t tell from your description what is going on with your orchid just yet. Can you send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com? If not we can try to figure it out here.
Hannah
hello can I ask u a question about my orchids flowers? One of my orchid has no root but their leaves are good . So what can I do to make it has root ?
Hi,
It has absolutely no roots or just a few roots?
Is it potted in a pot with a drainage hole?
Are you only watering it when it’s dry?
Hannah
Hi, I have a phalaenopsis orchid and I had to cut off all of the roots and aerial roots. Also all the leaves are gone as they started going bad. The crown itself is still nice and green. The underneath roots are just stumps and green inside. I have planted my orchid in some bark and watered it just so it’s moist enough. I really don’t want it to die as I’ve only had it since Feb 2015. Please help me.
Hi,
Did you just send me a picture? If so I have already answered it there. You do need leaves for your orchid to survive…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
Does it have any leaves left?
Hannah
I have 2 orchids that I have been trying to nurse back to health. I was given 5 by my sister, but most were bad off. Anyway my shorter guy is blooming n has A LOT of those aerial roots. So I will repot to a larger pot after the bloom, correct? Now my taller guy is starting to bud, but he’s got no leaves. I don’t see any aerials or any leaf budding at the base for photosynthesis. Is this normal?
Hi,
Yes you want to repot after it is done blooming.
The second one has no leaves at all?
Hannah
I’d like to know if it’s worth while trying to keep the tiny (true miniature) Phals that I see for sale in Big Box stores. They are in such small containers, are they tricky to maintain in bloom and to rebloom, if you aren’t an experienced orchid enthusiast?
Hi Sharon,
I have done it but I would start with a bigger Phal if this is your first time. I also tell people to make sure it’s potted in a pot with a drainage hole and only water it when it’s VERY dry.
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Hannah
hi my boyfriend bought me an orchid, it has roots sticking out of the top and the bottom of the pot. I am scared that if is hurting the plant. Do I need to repot it?
Hi Corey,
Neither one of the roots is hurting the plant… The top one is called an aerial root and the bottom one should be fine.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
You don’t want to repot an orchid while its in bloom because the blooms will fall off prematurely.
Make sure it’s currently in a pot with a drainage hole and you are only watering it when it’s very dry.
How to Repot
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/32/
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Hope that helps,
Hannah
I have had my Phalaenopsis orchid for about 2 months. The roots are turning brown and mushy. I have cut them off with a sharp blade, the leaves are soft and still green, the plant is still in bloom, but it only has very few roots left. What should I do? I fully saturate the soil once every 10 days. It has drainage, and a humidity tray. I let it sit in the sink for 30 minutes to let it drain when I water it before putting it back on its humidity tray. I don’t understand what’s wrong with it. Can it be saved?
Can you send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com?
Is using a Aqua one that self waters good for orchids?
I am sorry I am not familiar with this technique? What is it?
Hannah
Hello!
I’ve only had my orchid for 2 months. I’m not sure what type it is but I have some photographs which may help?
I’ve noticed recently that it’s lower flowers are falling off and one of the leaves are starting to turn yellow. The top still looks healthy and there is also a new plant sprouting. I water it regularly (I worry about watering it too much so if the oil still feels damp I leave a couple of days. but I’m not sure if that’s right?) and it gets a good amount of sunlight. But I’m not sure if it’s enough or too much etc.
It’s in it’s pot that then has a plastic pot around it (this is what it came in), should I take that off?
Let me know if you can’t see the pictures!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t34.0-12/11091359_10152850579264514_1828761842_n.jpg?oh=e9385ab250a2aef340e9a7063d17d496&oe=5517A859&__gda__=1427597832_546b83edfa99c9a70ab999036f456f5b
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t34.0-12/11079407_10152850582189514_349350361_n.jpg?oh=34fc240d84fbf3fd83c650dc94eb2432&oe=551697FF&__gda__=1427596142_8bbd45210453ed79bbfb3c8c0bf44327
Wow that is a gorgeous orchid! I believe it’s a Dendrobium.
The bottom leaves turning yellow can be normal…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
You only want to water it when it’s super dry…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
It needs dapple sun – not direct sunlight – like shady sunlight….
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/light-requirements-for-orchids/
You don’t want it potted in a pot without a drainage hole bc the roots can rot…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Hope that helps,
Hannah
Sorry I posted the link to the picture of my orchid in the wrong place.
Here it is: https://db.tt/0J8sA02z
I would definitely remove it from the second pot because it does not look like that pot has drainage. Orchid roots will rot if they are sitting in water as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
You want to water it this way…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I have really enjoyed reading the very useful information you have shared on your site.
I have owned my Phalaenopsis for six months. It appears to be healthy. I do not have a watering schedule per se. I just check the medium (i think thats what it is called) periodically by sticking my finger about an inch down to see if there is any moisture. I’d say this results in watering about every 10 days or 2 weeks. I have it in the original container which is a vented plastic pot inside a porcelain or clay type of pot.
Nonetheless, after reading another site, I found that cutting the shoot down would help the orchid. So, about a month or month and a half ago, I cut it down right above the third node. Surprisingly, within a few weeks I found some little thingys (lol) sprouting from the 2nd and 3rd node. However, a few weeks later that sprout on the 2nd node fell off, withered away or stopped growing; not sure? The sprout on the 3rd node is now a long strong stem that has started to bud. It appears that I will have beautiful flowers soon! So, Im curious, do have any idea why the sprout on the 2nd node failed? It’s not a major issue, but I was a little sad, as I thought I might get 2 stems, 4 flowers! I’m wondering if there is something I can do going forward to avoid this from happening again?
Thanks in advance!
Angie
Hi,
Most likely your orchid had a little bit of energy left to produce another stem off the existing one which is rare. This has never happened to me. It probably did not have enough energy to support the other additional stem.
When my orchid is finished blooming I cut the stem back to the base because I have found it produces bigger blooms the following year. Cutting yours back the way you did is fine. I would just enjoy it.
You seem to be watering it fine. Just make sure the second pot has good drainage…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Hope that helps,
Hannah
Hannah,
Thanks for the quick response. Yes, you did help me a lot! I wasn’t sure if I did something wrong, but you clarified that the second stem growing is uncommon. Now, I understand why it has been so hard for me to find information on the subject matter.
I will review your links to make certain that my orchid has good drainage, and that I am watering correctly. I will also take your advice and cut the stem back to the base after it is finished blooming.
Many many thanks for your insight, I greatly appreciate it.
Angie
You are welcome:)
Hi Hannah!
I appreciate your site! For a long time, I thought orchids were some mysterious creature that only seasoned green thumbs could cultivate. Thank you for demystifying their enigma and helping us “common folk” learn how to raise them, too!
I rescued my orchid from being shoved into the corner of an office break room, so I have no idea what type of orchid it is. I’ve had it 8 months, and I immediately repotted it using the same growing medium it came with and transferring it into a clear plastic pot with drain holes suspended over it’s original decorative container. I used the “sphag and bag” method to rehab it by putting a clear/translucent bag over it. I would mist the inside of the bag almost every day and water occasionally as the moss dried out, and it has done VERY well with this method–growing roots like crazy. A few months ago, I noticed that a SPIKE is growing! It’s grown to over a foot now, and I’m SO excited to see if it blooms!
My spike looks very healthy and has grown extremely fast, however my leaves are dark green, with almost black-ish green on the tips, and the bottom leaves look wilted. I keep it in my south-facing sunroom where it gets a lot of indirect sunlight that is filtered through trees and occasional direct sunlight. What should I use to determine how healthy/happy my orchid is–the growth of the spike and roots or the dark, wilted leaves? I want to make sure she is as happy as can be.
Here are some pictures that I’ve taken… https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jc7hne9huhnn224/AABcFYS7svkfdz3FbD6uW-0ga?dl=0 The one from June 22 is how I found the orchid, and the rest I took today in her current setup. Typically we have the blinds open, but we’ve had them closed the past few days to conserve heat in the sunroom.
I’d appreciate any advice you or the community could offer.
Thanks in advance,
Laina Curtiss
Hi,
Well it looks like you potted it well and the spike looks great! You have a Phalaenopsis orchid. Typically when orchid leaves are dark like that it’s because it’s not getting enough sunlight as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/light-requirements-for-orchids/
You want to make sure that’s it’s completely dry before watering – this is how I water…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Hope that helps,
Hannah
Hi, I just bought my first orchid and they’ve always been my favorite but afraid for it to die. Please help me, the air roots seem to be broke. I’m not sure if I should cut it or replant them. Also, I’m afraid they go into shock for the climate change or light change.
Hi,
Aerial roots can look bad and sometimes break but they shouldn’t be a problem. You want to repot when there is a lot of them and it’s outgrowing its pot size. They shouldn’t go into shock (unless they are in bloom) from being repotted. Yes it does kinda shock and orchid but it shouldn’t suffer from it.
Aerial roots
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
Hope that helps,
Hannah
I’ve inherited 5 orchids from my grandma who had recently passed in November. She had the perfect setup in her kitchen window above the sink and below the heater vent. Unfortunately my grandpa wouldn’t know how to keep them alive. So now I have them and have had previous trouble finding a good spot in my apartment for them. Since November their leaves have become wrinkled. I’m not sure if it’s due to over-watering (which has been a problem of mine before), or they’re cold. So I’ve put together a layout and pictures of their current condition to see if anyone has advice on what I should do to keep them alive.
Here is a link to the photos: http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/sillysyd33/library/Grandmas%20Orchids
If there’s anything you can tell me to help out, it would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Hi Sydnee,
I would love to help!
1. The leaf growing up high on the orchid is actually a keiki and I have a post on this…
Keiki
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/basal-keikibaby-orchid/
2. You should take the plastic wrap off all of them. You can place them on humidity trays if you like but orchids need air movement. I fear the plastic wrap is not helping with this.
Humidity
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/22/the-importance-of-humidity/
How to make humidity trays
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/how-to-make-a-humidity-tray/
3. You want to water them when they are very dry. Not wet – not moist – dry. And you don’t want anything underneath them that will trap water because this causes root rot and the orchids suffer and die.
How to water
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
No Drainage
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Wrinkled leaves are normally caused by over or under watering them.
Here are the light requiremnts for you Phalaenopsis orchids…
Light requirements
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/light-requirements-for-orchids/
Let me know if that helps,
Hannah
Thanks! It looks like I have a lot of work to do! I will take the plastic off and see if I can make the humidity trays tonight. I think the beefy orchid is in a no-drain pot, too, now. So I might either try to drill a hole at the bottom or buy another pot while I’m at the store tonight.
As far as the wrinkled leaves and ariel roots go. Do you think that’s a temperature issue or watering issue? I don’t think my apartment has been getting above 70 deg F lately. So I’m not sure if they’re cold or what.
I also don’t know what type each of the orchids are since I can’t see what kind of flower the rest have, to know whether they’re a low light or high light plant. Is there any other way to tell?
The temperature is fine (my house is at 69 degrees).
All your orchids are Phalaenopsis “Moth” orchids…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/147/
Aerial roots just tend to look like that…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
Hannah
I just got a tea cup orchid for Christmas(about a week ago) and the flowers are falling off.I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, maybe it needs to be repo tted or I over watered.help
Barbara,
I would love to help! Most likely it is natural as shown here… https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Make sure it has drainage as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster/
Water it this way….
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Let me know if that helps,
Hannah
Hi Hannah, Please help me I am so depressed, I have a Cattleya which is old so old it has so many bulbs and flowered twice from the time I got it (which was this year), I found that round the pseudo bulbs new tiny shoots and some of them were turning a little black, I read that I need to remove dry sheaths around the bulbs coz water collects and effects them, I did this and while removing the sheath of a bulb where I had no clue was a new shoot the tip (really tiny part of it, the same size as the letters on this font) broke. Will this shoot survive even though I have damaged it? The other shoots are also super tiny but have blackened, will they survive and grow to new shoots?
Rebekah,
I am so sorry that happened to you. I broke the tip off a spike and was so upset. With mine it produced a new spike in a seperate location.
You said the tips were black… How do you water it? How much and how often? Do you think its rot?
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
Thank you for responding and helping me, I water it every alternate day as the plant is outside and does not have much medium (the plant is an old one whose roots have are wrapped around the pot, under, over and twisted in the inside of the pot)
The flower spike was ok it flowered and died it was the new shoot that I damaged, I accidently broke the tip of it, and the other shoots are black :(
will they survive and grow to new shoots?
Once again thank you for helping me.
Rebekah
If you break the tip off then that spike will stop growing. Even though your plant is outside I am concerned that you are watering it too much which could be the cause the black tips. Check out my post on watering for advice,
Hannah
Hi Hannah.
Thanks for you time and patience and everything that you are doing to help others .thats generous from you!!!!!!!!
My question is :
Why does my orchid’s roots turn black(dies) and there is only one root green.its a ‘baby’ orchid I did bought it like that and the salegirl told me that its ‘totally’ normal.they will all dry out but only one will stay green.but as i see in that picture all the roots are green!!!sorry but I don’t know nothing about orchids….I did sent you a mail.
Thank you very much Hannah
.Aurelie.
Hi I responded via email:)
Hi Hannah! What a useful blog you have, thank you for sharing this knowledge with us :)
I have a Moth Orchid that was given to me May of this year. It was packaged and sent in a box and upon arriving there seemed to be no problem with the Orchid (who I fondly call Ophelia!)
Now there have been a couple of ongoing problems that I really need to deal with promptly I think. Firstly, mealy bugs have been a persistent problem which I’m trying to solve. I’m currently using ‘Bayer Garden’s’ greenfly killer. But the mealy bugs still appear every now and again. Will repotting help this? Or is there another alternative to stop these mealy bugs from coming back?
The second thing is that all of the orchid heads have fallen now (I know that’s common for November time…) but one of the stems has turned yellow, and I’ve been wondering whether I should cut this stem back?
Finally, I know that I need to repot the orchid in the next couple of days (I’m a student at university so it’s been tough trying to find the time recently to spending quality time nurturing it!) The pot has drainage holes at the bottom, but I’ve noticed that roots have started to grow out of these holes, so I’m guessing it really needs some more space to stretch and grow! Would you recommend any particular pot on amazon?
I water once a week, and occassionally use the ‘Baby Orchid Feed’.
I’m happy to send you an image of what it currently looks like!
Thank you for your advice, I do really want to take care of my orchid so that we may be companions for quite some more time…!
Arzhia
Hi,
I would love to help and thank you for the sweet compliment!
I have a post on my favorite orchid pots. I like clear ones because you can see what is going on and it helps with photosynthesis.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/the-importance-in-potting-in-clear-pots/
You don’t want to go up more then one size because orchids like to be snug.
Repotting will help with bugs because you can soak your whole orchid in water for like ten minutes and kill them. Also I use Physan 20 (diluted to soak them in) which kills bugs.
I have a post on bugs. I use Physan 20 and Getoffme spray from rePotme.com.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/orchid-health-bugs/
You should cut the stem back. I have a post on that as well.
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/252/
Let me know if that helps,
Hannah
Thank you for the quick reply Hannah!
I will try all of what you’ve said out – I don’t think I’m going to be able to get the spray or the Physan 20 though as I live in the UK, so I’ll look for some other alternatives!
Arzhia
Hi
I am pretty new to orchids and have recently started growing them under lights. I am noticing some yellow blotches on the top of the leaves. Could this be a virus or maybe light burn. I want to send a photo but not sure how to do it from here, Thank you so much
Faith
Faith,
I would love to help!
You can send me a photo at myfirstorchid@gmail.com. Let me know if that works,
Hannah
Will it hurt my phalaennopsis orchids if I cit the dried roots pls help asap
Hi,
I would love to help!
You should not cut any roots that are not black and mushy. Roots help the orchid produce new leaves and new blooms.
Are they aerial roots? Click this link and it will explain…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Hannah
I have a Paphiopedilum with only one blossom, and I have it next to my Phalaenopsis that has five blossoms. My Paphiopedilum has started to droop completely, and two of the blossoms on my Paphiopedilum have begun to droop as well. I’ve had them both for about 3 weeks now, and I have them together in the light of a west-facing window (not on the sill, but on a table about 4 feet away, indirect light and all that). I’ve been watering them whenever the top of the moss feels dry. They have a drainage hole, and they’re potted in plastic inside what appears to be a fake terracotta pot. I’m in northern Colorado so the humidity is only around 50% on average, but it has been higher recently. I haven’t been touching the buds, but the leaves on the Paphiopedilum are starting to curl up(the leaves on the Phalaenopsis appear healthy). I’m not sure how old the blossoms are, so it might be natural but the only orchid I’ve dealt with in the past was much larger and seemed less problematic. Is my orchid just going through its natural cycle or is there a problem I can try to fix. Thank you!
Jackie –
I would love to help!
Well two things could be going here…
Either is natural as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Or it’s Bud Blast as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/bud-blast-2/
Does the fake pot have a hole in it for drainage??
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/orchid-disaster
Also you want to water it when the roots are dry. Not just the top. But way down by the roots. So it’s very dry as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/hello-world/
Could you send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com?
Hannab
Hi Hannah! I have has my orchid since February of this year and I am pretty sure it is dead. Well the leafs are pretty brown or a yellowish color. I just recently started watering it every other day because I didn’t think it was getting enough water. I was only watering it once a month. It’s doesn’t get to much sunlight. It is a Cymbidium
Hi Corey –
I would love to help! I am sorry your orchid is not doing well.
A Cymbiudium orchid would do better being watered once a month then every other day. These orchids should only be watered when they are dry. I water my orchids a few times a month. Too much water will drowned its roots.
Did you see my post on Cymbidium orchids? Also the one on watering?
Does your orchid pot have a drainage hole?
Hannah
I have read the one about the cymbidiums. Also my pot does have holes in it. Should I repot my orchid?
If it is suffering then yes you could repot it. That way you could give it fresh mix and cut off any dead rotting roots.
Also I would hold off on watering it till it’s very dry.
And it needs natural shady sunlight as well.
Hannah
Why are my blooms starting to wilt? No signs of dehydration.
Hi Melissa,
I would love to help!
Click in this link and see if that answers your question and then we can go from there…
Flowers falling off naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Hope that helps and let me know if you have further question,
Hannah
I have noticed that the one leaf of my orchid has started going yellow about a week and a half ago. Now today two of the flowers are wilting. The roots are still green, so it doesn’t need water…..i don’t know what to do??? What do you think?
Hi Melissa,
I would love to help!
Click in these two links and see if that answers your question and then we can go from there…
Yellow orchid leaves
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
Flowers falling off naturally
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
Hope that helps and let me know if you have further question,
Hannah
Hi Hannah – great site and I have learnt a great deal about orchids. I was given my first orchid as a gift 3 months ago. A beautiful purple orchid – sorry no idea type. Then last month I was away. I left strict instructions to water it once under the tap for 2 mins and my husband soaked it twice for 2 hours – he got the 2 right! It now has no flowers and no leaves. It doesn’t appear to be rotten, it doesn’t smell, but the stem is brown and dried out. I let the soil dry out completely for 18 days and watered ‘properly’ for the first time today. Do you think it is saveable and if so do you have any advice on what else I should/could do? Many thanks, Tanya
Tanya,
Thank you for the sweet compliment about the site!
Unfortunately if it has no leaves (and it’s a Phalaenopsis orchid – most are) then it will not survive as shown here…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/orchid-leaves-all-gone/
It has no leaves correct?
I am sorry this happened to you,
Hannah
thank you Hannah, even though the prognosis is bad!
Tanya,
I am so sorry!
Hannah
If I’m going to mist my orchids, is there a tendency that the place will be cool?
please answer it. thank you.
I would love to help but I don’t really understand your question? Could you re-phrase it?
Hannah
Thank you for this blog! It’s helped a great deal! I have a Phaelenopsis that I didn’t water for a week, and now all the leaves are wilting very noticeably. They were thick and strong the week before. I didn’t realize that forgetting to water it would have such an immediate effect. Is it because I didn’t water it, or is this a different problem? Thanks in advance.
Hi,
I would love to help! Normally not watering it for a week wouldn’t cause that…I normally water my orchids a few times a month. Can you send me a picture at myfirstorchid@gmail.com? If not we can try to figure it out here. Either way I need to know…
How long have you had it?
How do you water it? How much and how often?
Is it potted in a pot with a drainage hole?
Is it near a natural light source?
Hannah
Thanks! I’ll send you a picture right now, but to answer the questions-
I’ve had it for 2 years now.
I water it as you recommend, in the sink with running water. I use the pictures you posted as a guideline to tell when the orchid is dry and therefore when I should water it- usually 8-10 days.
It is potted in a plastic pot with drainage holes, and placed in a ceramic pot, in which I have a form of a humidity tray- a bit of water, and a few pebbles so the plastic pot sits away from the water.
It is on a desk by the window, so it has natural light.
Got the pics and will answer via email :)
Just after giving birth, thinking he was helping, my husband mistakenly staked 2 roots (mistaking them for shoots) before I had the chance to re-pot and look into what the right thing to do was…I let it go for a while, and now the roots he staked are out of control. Should I cut them, try to shove them into a pot? Please advise.
Hi Jessica,
I would love to help! Have you read my post on aerial roots?
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/aerial-roots/
I would start by unclipping them and see how much they fall on their own. It may take awhile. When you water them you can water over the roots and they will become a little more malleable and should fall more.
Eventually you should be able to bury some of them when you repot the orchid. Maybe not all of them – some of mine are growing in between leaves and it’s hard to bury those.
When I go to repot and I need to bury aerial roots I soak the entire orchid in a bucket of water for a bit and the roots become a little more malleable so you can bury them. If you just force them then they WILL break off. And even though aerial roots can be ugly they still provide energy and sustenance to the orchid so I like to keep them. If one or two break then it’s not the end of the world.
Hope that helps,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
My husband gave me one of those “just add ice” orchids the first week of November 2013. Eventually the blooms fell off about two weeks ago and last Friday two bottom leaves turned yellow and one fell off today. I had it repotted at a local Orchid Greenhouse ” Hauserman’s Orchids ” and I have it upstairs in front of our bedroom window 24/7. The window’s location is purely Southern Exposure and the orchid gets no direct sunlight but plenty of daylight. This morning I checked on the roots and it looks like that there are some roots which are mushy and a few spots of mold shows up on the bottom of the container. Can I send you some pictures of the orchid – if that helps?
I also have another mini orchid upstairs next to the one in question. Thanks for you input. Eve
Sure thing – I would love to help!! Send me pics at myfirstorchid@gmail.com and we can go from there – maybe cut and copy your message above when sending the pics.
Thanks,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I’ve had my first orchid for about 9 months, however I had a family emergency that put me out of town for a little over a month. So I thought my husband would know to water my plant but…..he didn’t. So when I got back all of its pretty blooms had fallen off, it was kept in the shade and it was super dry. So I watered it and brought it back to health, but when I had to leave again, he then over watered it. So it had mold growing on it and I took it out of the pot and literally ringed water out of the soil. I repotted it (without cinnamon, didn’t know about that) and kept it in the light. It seemed to be doing better but now its under leaves keeping turning yellow. It keeps growing new leaves but they eventually turn yellow after they grow out. But the biggest issue is now the upper part of the stems are turning yellow and shriveling up. It has growths coming out where the blooms used to be. So I don’t know if it’s just shedding and try to bloom again or if its dying. Should I put cinnamon in the soil and cut the roots? Because I never did that in the beginning. Should I try to fertilize it? I can send you a picture if you have some place for me to send it. It might give you a better idea of what I’m talking about.
Thanks so much!
Jordan
Jordan,
I am so sorry. I would love to help. I am never worried about bottom leaves turning yellow because of this…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/04/14/orchid-leaves-turning-yellow/
But leaves turning yellow all over and mold growing is most liking due to root rot which is caused by over watering it.
In this case I do this…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/root-rot/
Since you probably don’t have Physan 20 on hand… Then I would pour straight peroxide on the roots and then spray a diluted mixture on the leaves. If it fizzles that is totally ok…it’s is aerating it. Wait a few days and then do it again.
Don’t water it at all till it dries out. Since the blooms have dropped you can repot it if you like. And you can send pictures to myfirstorchid@gmail.com if you like,
Hope that helps and let me know if you have further questions,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I am a new orchid lover, and have 12 moth orchids. I have a question about temperature. My orchids and I are in the UK. Most of them have finished flowering, and I’ve re-potted them. They haven’t yet developed flower spikes, and I’ve read your section on making sure they have an autumnal drop in temperature.
However, I’m worried that it is now too cold, and I’ve put a little heater in the bathroom. Help! Am I now stopping them flowering, or am I giving them the heat they need over the winter? How cold is too cold?
Thanks in advance
Rachel
Rachel,
I let them go with the flow in my house – now that we have a baby it’s like 69 – 74 degrees year round. But I do have my orchids near a big bay window – so it’s colder there.
In the past I would have kept the windows cracked in the fall but it’s too cold for my child. They all bloomed though despite my lack of attention.
I would say to just keep them as comfortable as you are. If it’s freezing and your wearing a sweater in your home – that may be too cold and vice versa.
Normally they grow outside in humid environments – so a bathroom is a good place as long as the window in there is clear so they get sun. Most peoples bathrooms have frosted glass and this is not good. The orchid can’t get sun this way.
Does that help,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
I am new to your blog and not very computer literate, so hope I am doing this the right way.
I have about 20+ orchids that I salvaged from local supermarkets, friends, etc.
I bought a bag of all purpose orchid mix from Repotme and transplanted alot of my orchids(after they bloomed) with this mix. My orchids, for some reason, do not like this mix(and are not thriving as well as they did in the supermarket potting media) as it is all chunky and does not retain/absorb water much at all. So then I experimented with spagnum moss(bought at Lowes) and repotted several orchids into the moss. The moss does the opposite, it retains water TOO long, and takes forever to dry out, thus the roots begin to rot, etc. Also, some of the pots with moss are turning green(mold?), because of the long time that the moss stays wet.
You suggested the sphagnum moss mix from Repotme on your site. When I read about it on Repotme.com, it has other potting media in it. I believe it is called Phal Monterey Gold Imperial Orchid Mix. Is this the one that you suggest?
My question is, if I start using the Monterey Gold Imperial Orchid Mix, will it dry out in ample time to allow the roots to breath, etc? is this because the New Zealand Sphagnum Moss is mixed with other hard, potting media?
Why is this mixture so much better than the moss available for purchase at the local Lowes, Home Depot, etc.?
Thanks for you help! Orchids are such a wonderful and beautiful plant, and I want to give them what they need to thrive.
Herb
Herb,
Hi, I buy most of my things from repotme just because I like their customer service and how helpful they are.
You can buy sphagnum moss anywhere but overall I trust their moss and believe it to be a much higher quality then other places – so I get it.
The Phal imperial mix is what I use now because my orchids seem to love it. I pack it very tight and they dry out within a week of watering them. I like this moss mixture because I don’t have time to water my orchids as much as I use to.
This mix gives me the opportunity to water a few times a month and not worry about them in the mean time.
You really have to figure out what works for you and your orchids. This depends on the environment you are in (humidity, hot or cold, etc). Your orchids may do better in bark or in the moss mixture.
I am sorry that your orchids are suffering… I try to explain on my site what works for me and sometimes this does not work for others.
Did you repot your orchids spaced out over a few years or did you repot them twice in that same year with two different types of moss? And do you have all Phalaenopsis orchids?
Orchids take a while to adjust to a new setting and sometimes suffer after being repotted but overall they normally perk back up.
I hope that yours do,
Hannah
Have my first orchid, thank you for your clear help and advise. How long will my orchid last?. Flowers starting to drop, was given this three months ago.. what do i do next?. Is it dying? Thank you.
Sandie,
Hi, I would love to help.
No – your orchid is not dying. Orchid blooms last around three months. After that time they don’t bloom for another year but are still very much alive. After the blooms fall the orchid grows new leaves and new roots.
I have a link on this…
https://myfirstorchid.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/orchid-bloom-dying-naturally/
This post says what to do after the blooms fall.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Hannah
What should I do if one of the roots at the surface looks dried out and brittle?
Norma,
Roots that grow above the surface of an orchid are called ariel roots and are not super attractive. The can look whitish grey and never seem to look super green like the roots that are buried.
It is easy to think they are dead or something is wrong with your orchid but this is just how they look. They are normal and healthy and should not be cut off. In nature an orchid tries to grab onto the trees and shrubs around it – this is why they grow that way.
I do try to bury them when I repot my orchids. Sometimes though this is impossible if they are in between leaves. Then I just leave them.
If I do have the chance to bury some of them when I repot them I soak the entire orchid plant in water to “soften” those roots making them malleable enough to maneuver. If they are not soaked they have a tendency to break in half because they are so brittle.
Hannah
I just updated the site to include your question :) under Aerial roots
Hannah
Hi Hannah, hope I am leaving this in the right place. HELP PLEASE I have had 2 orchids for years and nothing much has happened with them but I have persevered now one has started flowering and I think I have killed it :-( I left the 2 of them in the conservatory and we are having our week long heat wave here in the U.K. and now the flowering orchid’s buds are blasting and the little branch of them has withered after I watered them last night, is it possible to save it? I have taken photo’s but couldn’t work out where to post them.
Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge and setting this site up so others can share theirs it is SO helpful.
B.w.’s
Sam
Sam,
So sorry to not get back to right away… For some reason you comment got put into spam category.
Unfortunately once bud blast has happened there is little you can do. It probably was do the heat wave.
But this does not mean your orchids are dead – just the buds could not open in that environment.
You can send pics to myfirstorchid@gmail.com if you like.
So sorry that happened – it’s so frustrating!!
Thank you for the sweet compliment, it means a lot :)
Hannah
Hi, My orchid plant’s leaf has fallen of…. is it dying?? how do i save it. The leaf has not turned yellow… green fresh leaf has fallen off. please advise.
I would love to help! A few questions…
Where was the leaf placed on the orchid that fell off? Top, bottom, middle?
And you said it just fell off with no other signs of your orchid struggling? No yellowing? Etc.
How long have you had this orchid?
Hannah
Hello,
It was the top most leaf of the plant. Other signs were the blosom stalk had yellowed and flowers withered. I got this plant around 1 month back.
I would imagine that the flowers withered for natural reasons meaning you got your orchid already in bloom and it is naturally shedding its blooms BUT the placement on that leaf falling off is strange.
The only thing I can imagine is that it was damaged in the process of shipping…
Can you send me a pic at myfirstorchid@gmail.com so I can take a look?
Hannah
Thank you very much. I appreciate your prompt answer. :) Do you think it turned brown because it fell or was it in the normal cycle? If I cut the yellow stem, wouldn’t it hurt the other spike which is still in bloom?
I would think it was bc of the fall because the other stem is still in bloom and fine. In a normal cycle both would start loosing blooms at the same time.
And no it will not hurt the other stem or affect it all if you cut the other one:) if anything it will give the other stem more nutrients :)
Hannah
Meaning just cut the one stem back :)
Okay there is your question :)
You can cut the flower spike back at the base if all the flowers have fallen off. Click on my link on Cutting an Orchid Stem Back.
And again I am sorry that it fell!
Hannah
Irina,
I would be happy to help:) that is so sad about your orchid! What exactly is your question?
Hannah
I accidentally deleted your question!! Sorry
Love your blog, Hannah!
Thanks Starr!!