on How to save a dying orchid with the sponge trick?
Beautiful, fragrant, and fascinating, orchids are increasingly common in our homes. Although there are many species and varieties, the most popular plant is the phalaenopsis orchid, or “moth orchid.” Unique with its colorful flowers, unmistakable shape, and delicate fragrance, it has very specific needs, particularly in terms of watering, light, temperature, and compost. However, sometimes, despite all the care given to it, its roots can deteriorate, its leaves fall off, and its flowers wilt.
Are you panicking at the thought of petals falling day after day? Perhaps your orchid isn’t getting enough water. It’s important to know that watering is a crucial factor in keeping this plant alive. Depending on the seasons and temperature changes, it’s important to know how to properly water your plant. Indeed, just a few watering mistakes can cause the roots to become damaged or rot. Unfortunately, over time, if it’s not cared for properly, the plant can die.
Fortunately, to save an orchid on the verge of dying, there are several very decisive solutions, including the famous sponge trick that we will reveal to you in this article.
Also read: How to save a dying orchid? Useful tips and advice
Let’s see together how to preserve a dried orchid with quick and practical tips.
dry roots
The sponge trick to save the orchid
Do your plant’s roots seem dry or rotten? To understand these problems, you need to try to determine the source of the problem and intervene as quickly as possible to save the orchid. If you don’t act quickly, it may be too late! Remember, the longer you delay, the less likely the plant will survive.
Prune the roots
The verdict is clear: your orchid’s roots are really suffering. You must therefore immediately remove the plant from its pot. Then, prune any rotten or dry roots with sterilized shears. When doing this, remember to remove only the roots that appear completely dry or rotten, leaving all the others intact.
Put a sponge
At this point, you’ve removed the “diseased” part of the plant, but your orchid certainly can’t survive without roots! You need to give it a second wind to help it take root again. The sponge solution is just the thing for this!
Take a dish sponge and tie it around the base of your orchid. Then place the sponge in a glass filled with a centimeter of water. This way, the sponge will serve as a natural habitat for the orchid to produce new roots.
Repot the plant
After 2 to 3 weeks, you’ll be relieved to see that the roots have developed. Now it’s time to repot the plant in a suitable pot and soil mix. Start watering sparingly, keeping the soil moist but never completely wet. To maintain humidity levels and encourage the orchid’s growth, remember to spray the leaves with a little water every 3 or 4 days.
Precautions
To achieve promising results, be aware that the sponge trick is much more favorable during the warmer months. If you apply it in the fall or winter, the chances of success will be much lower. Also, remember to place your orchid in a sufficiently bright location, away from direct sunlight.
take care of an orchid
Rooting with peat and sand
Here’s an alternative, more traditional method that will allow your orchid to grow new roots. This involves rooting in a pot with peat and sand.
Instructions: Remove all faded flowers. After a few days, prune any rotten or dry roots before rooting your plant. In addition to peat and sand, sphagnum moss is also widely used, which creates an ideal substrate for new root growth. To hope for new growth, arm yourself with a lot of patience. It takes about two to three months for your orchid to bloom again!
Prevention: some basic rules to follow when caring for an orchid
The best way to keep your orchid alive is of course to avoid damaging its roots.
Here are some important parameters to consider:
Regular watering
Being a tropical plant, watering is vital for orchids. When you notice that they are wilted, yellowing, or even blackening, they have not been watered properly. Either too much or too little. It is important to find the right balance between overwatering and overly dry soil!
In spring and summer, water your orchid more frequently: the key is to test the soil and add water whenever it feels too dry or no longer moist. The best watering method is to submerge the plant in a basin or sink filled with water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the orchid to absorb only the amount of water it actually needs.
NB : Overwatering can also be fatal to your orchid. Simply observe the roots carefully to gauge their water needs. If you notice them turning gray, you need to water more. Otherwise, abundant watering is only necessary once a week.
water an orchid
transparent vase
Remember to always use a clear or transparent pot for your orchid so you can always check the condition of its roots. Roots grow stronger and healthier if exposed to direct light. Choose a plastic pot that lets the sun’s rays through: the roots will dry faster and be less fragile.
Suitable place
For your orchid’s well-being, choose a well-lit location, but away from direct sunlight. The humidity should not be lower than 60%. Ideally, we recommend a location in the bathroom or kitchen where humidity levels are generally higher.
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Fertilizer
Keep in mind that there are specific fertilizers for orchids. Sometimes, a certain alternation of minerals is necessary: during leaf growth, a nitrogen fertilizer would be more prudent, while during flowering, a compost richer in potassium is preferred.
By taking all these precautions to the letter and paying careful attention to your orchids’ growth, you’ll have nothing to worry about. They’ll continue to enhance your interiors while remaining fresh and vibrantly beautiful!
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