How to Revive a Dying Orchid

Last Updated on September 2, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Orchids are stunning and elegant plants that can add beauty to any space. However, they can sometimes become unhealthy and look sad with wilting leaves, yellow stems, or other issues. Don’t worry; you can revive your orchid with a few simple steps. In this guide, we will show you how to bring your orchid back to life, using straightforward language and easy-to-follow instructions.

Reviving a Dying Orchid

Is your orchid on the brink of giving up? Don’t lose hope! Even if your orchid is on the verge of dying, there’s still a chance to revive it. The Plant Bible explains various ways on how to revive a dying orchid. Let’s have a look:

Common Reasons for Orchids to Die:

• Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot and other issues.
• Underwatering: Neglecting your orchid’s water needs can cause it to wither.
• Wrong Potting Medium: Using the wrong type of potting mix can hinder root health.
• Root Disease: Unhealthy roots can’t absorb nutrients effectively.
• Stem and Leaf Problems: Yellow stems and leaves can signal trouble.

How to Revive an Overwatered Orchid

1. Adjust Your Watering Routine: If your orchid’s leaves are wilting and turning yellow due to overwatering, it’s time to change your watering habits. Orchids usually need watering once every 7 days, but you should wait for the top inch of the potting medium to dry out before watering again. This timing can vary depending on your climate, potting medium, and pot size.

2. Choose the Right Potting Mix: The PlantBible suggests using a potting mix that’s specially designed for orchids, typically pine bark-based. This type of mix provides good drainage and mimics the natural soil conditions of orchids. Avoid regular potting soil or moss, as they retain too much moisture and can lead to yellowing leaves.

3. Inspect the Roots: Healthy orchid roots should be green to light gray and feel firm. If you find mushy, brown, or black roots with a foul smell, it’s a sign of disease or lack of oxygen. Use clean pruners or scissors to trim these unhealthy roots back to healthy growth.

4. Trim Yellow Stems: Yellow stems are no longer functional, so don’t hesitate to cut them back, even if it means trimming them down to the base. This prevents disease spread and encourages new stem growth.

5. Be Patient with Yellow Leaves: Yellow leaves will eventually fall off on their own. Don’t try to force them off, as it could harm the orchid. New leaves will emerge naturally.

6. Repot with Suitable Medium: Transplant your orchid into a fresh potting medium, like pine bark, to prevent fungal diseases. Make sure the potting mix is clean and free from pathogens.

7. Create Ideal Conditions: After repotting, place your orchid in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature range between 55°F (12°C) at night and a maximum of 75°F (23°C) during the day. Water the orchid when the top inch of the potting medium is dry, and mist the leaves every 2 to 3 days to maintain humidity.

How to Revive an Orchid with Sunburned Leaves

1. Adjust Lighting Conditions: Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. To prevent further sunburn, move your orchid to a location with less direct sunlight.

2. Allow Natural Leaf Shedding: If you have severely sunburned leaves, let them dry up and fall off on their own. Don’t rush to remove them, as it can damage the plant.

3. Consider Clear Plastic Pots: Orchid roots can photosynthesize, so using clear plastic pots allows their roots access to light, aiding in revival.

4. Provide Proper Care: With the right care, your orchid should begin growing new leaves and recover over time. Ensure proper watering and temperature conditions for the best results.

How to Revive a Drooping Orchid

1. Give the Roots a Soak: Submerge your orchid’s roots in a basin of water for about 10 minutes. This helps moisturize the roots and ensures even moisture distribution in the potting medium. Allow excess water to drain out.

2. Water Generously: While you don’t need to use a basin every time you water, make sure to water your orchid generously. Water should trickle from the base of the pot, ensuring even moisture.

3. Adjust Watering Frequency: Orchids require less frequent watering than most houseplants. In spring and summer, water every 7 days, and in fall and winter, water every 14 days. Always wait for the top inch of the potting medium to dry before watering.

4. Mist Leaves and Roots: Keep the leaves and roots humid by misting them every other day. This helps mimic the orchid’s native habitat and prevents drooping.

5. Provide Suitable Lighting: Place the orchid in an area with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaves and roots to dry too quickly.

6. Maintain the Right Temperature: Orchids thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 80°F. Avoid high temperatures, as they can worsen drought stress.

How to Revive an Orchid with Burned Roots

1. Reduce Fertilizer Use: Cut back on fertilizer and wash the orchid’s roots under a faucet for about 10 minutes. This helps dissolve excess salts that accumulate from over-fertilization.

2. Inspect and Trim Roots: If you notice brown or black roots, trim them back to the base of the plant. Repot your orchid with pine bark or specialized orchid potting mixes to mitigate the effects of excess fertilizer.

How to Revive an Orchid with Dropped Flowers

1. Maintain Steady Temperature: Keep your orchid in a room with a temperature ranging from 55°F to 75°F. Avoid drafts, direct air conditioning, radiators, or excessive heat sources.

2. Increase Humidity: Orchids require higher humidity than most indoor environments. Mist the leaves every 2 days to create a humid microclimate. Placing orchids in bathrooms or kitchens can also help due to higher humidity levels.

3. Provide Appropriate Lighting: Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light. Ensure your orchid receives the right amount of light for optimal flowering.

4. Water Carefully: Water your orchid as needed, allowing the top inch of the potting medium to dry between watering. Use specialized orchid fertilizer following the manufacturer’s instructions to promote flowering.
By following these straightforward steps and providing your orchid with the care it needs, you can revive a dying orchid.