Help! My orchid is dying!!! Or so it looks like, right? But before you panic, calm down and read this article about Phalaenopsis Orchid Care.
I love love love orchids!!! They look so pretty, dainty and elegant. I’ve always like orchids but it was only until recently that I have the guts to be an orchid owner. Well, that is not entirely true. It was more like I was forced into being one. You see a relative gave me a Phalaenopsis orchid (also known as "Moth" orchid, maybe because the flower resembles a moth?! duh!) for my birthday 2 years ago. So there I was taking care of my phal the best I could. After some weeks though, it started to lose the all its flowers, so I panicked and started reading articles on how to take care of orchids. I read somewhere that you should cut the stem at the base so I did, later I read on another site that you should cut only before the first node closest to where the first flower was. Oh well, too late for that. Then I got another one from my husband for Valentine’s. But guess what? The same thing happened again. Weird eh?! After a year my phals didn't have any new growth: no new flowers and no new leaf, instead the leaves started turning yellow. Panicking again, I read and learned then that I should re-pot it to check the roots as well. And yes, the roots were starting to rot, I guess I was watering too much. So I re-pot and hoped for the best. But then I went home to the Philippines and I left my precious babies to the caring hands of my husband. When I came back after 3 weeks, they are both dead! ( ;-( sniff, sniff) They drowned! Apparently, my husband got confused with my watering instruction with that of my other plants and watered the phals every other day!!Ooopppsss!
The sad experience taught me a lot about proper caring for Phalaenopsis orchid. Now I have 6 of them and all are doing great.
It is only natural that the flowers will start to wilt and fall after blooming for some time (some lasts to 2-3 months if well cared), so no need to panic...yet. First, look for other signs on your phals to know if they are still in good shape.
Leaf reading
You can tell a lot about the health of your phals by just looking at the leaves.
- The leaves should be firm and not drooping, shiny and not wrinkled. Drooping and wrinkled leaves means they are not getting enough water. When they do get too much, they turn yellow and roots will start to rot.
- Ideally, the leaves should have a light green color, but a bit darker for darker colored flowers. Too dark green leaves mean that they are not getting enough sunlight but very light green leaves mean too much. They can also have a yellowish to red spot which means sunburn!
- Splitting of the leaves sometimes occur, it might look ugly but no need to worry, however, this usually happens when the plant was deprived of water at some time and was suddenly given a lot.
Going deeper.
Check the roots from time to time. Silvery looking roots could mean it’s time to water. But it also means they are in a healthy state, when wet they should be green. Brown and soggy roots are rotting roots. You should trim these away. When a lot of roots start to come out from the pot, then it says `repot me´.
Tips for new phalaenopsis owners:
Water your phals in the morning. Avoid getting water in the crown or if you did, remove it by using cotton or cotton buds. Watering frequency varies, it is best to ask your phals directly. Stick a finger 3-4 cm inside a pot, if it’s dry then water. If it is still moist to your touch, the do not water yet.
Water your phals in the morning. Avoid getting water in the crown or if you did, remove it by using cotton or cotton buds. Watering frequency varies, it is best to ask your phals directly. Stick a finger 3-4 cm inside a pot, if it’s dry then water. If it is still moist to your touch, the do not water yet.Recommended Products
- The best way to water your Phals is to let the water run through the roots and drain excess water. If you are using a pebble tray, then no need to bring them to the sink. Just water normally making sure that all roots gets wet and just let the excess water go to the pebble tray.
- Try to move your plants around the house for different seasons. Place them on windowsills during winter to get enough sunlight but not on summer if your windowsill is directly facing the sun.
- Orchids like it humid and the temperature is also important. A humidity of 50% - 70% is ideal and a temperature of 70°-80°F (21°-26°C) during daytime and 60°-65°F (15°-18°C) at night will make your phals bloom longer. They can be exposed to a temperature as high as 95°F (35°C) or as low as 30°F (0°C) but only for short periods.
- For me to achieve the ideal humidity level. I followed the tip of using pebble trays. Just use a saucer, fill it with pebbles, fill it with water and place the pot on top making sure that the base of the pot does not sit on water.
Megan says
Thank. You found this very helpful I’m a newbie just wondering now the flowers have gone do I still feed the plant thanks in advance
Alice says
Thanks so much for the tips here! I wondered why the roots were all reaching up and for the sky from my orchids containers and now I know that they need to be repotted. 🙂
Pam says
My orchid has new buds and I am hoping it will bloom ! However, I can see how stressed it is because it’s leaves have become droopy and wrinkly . I recently reported it and am wondering if I put it into too large of a container , over covered it’s roots ... water too much ( have really tried to avoid this ) Just not sure how to help it !
Bebs says
Just give it time to adjust and only water if you see that the medium is drying out. But if the leaves are wrinkly I think it is drying out. Check the roots if they are dry or if they are rotting and you will know what to do.
Susan Haupt says
I have an orchid that has continued to bloom with minimal care for 3 or 4 years now. I noticed the leaves are yellowing and they a very large and uneven.
I need to repot it. Can you cut back the leaves? They make the pot out of balance. Lopsided if you will.
Bebs says
I will not, because the plant needs it unless you have a lot of leaves on a plant.
Berna says
hi Bebs!
Sorry my nice English,I am from Turkey.
I read to much things about orchid care,you right all advice I think.
I don’t like plastic pots,I can’t deciced terra cotta or glass pot,I know best one is plastic pot,drenaj holes and air circulation,important,please help me for pot types!
Bebs says
If I am to choose between terra cotta and glass, then terra cotta for sure. It will absorb excess water and is more breathable than a glass one.
Joyleen Zumbui says
I'm an orchid lover
thanks for your advice
Bebs says
You're welcome, Joyleen.
Deepthnkr says
I recently got a purple Phal filled with blooms. They are healthy and add color to my table. My concern is that their stems are really long and clipped to a plastic trainer (not sure if that's what they're called). What should I do when the petals/blooms fall? Can I propagate to make shorter and stronger stems? Please help as I've come a long way in learning how to take care of my precious loves. Unfortunately I can't add a photo. Thank you 😊
Bebs says
You can cut just below where the last flower closest to the base was. In my experience, a new flower shoot will come out from the node before it.
Marietta Alzate says
How do we use egg shells to fertilizer orchids? Can we just use these without the commercial fertilizers?
Bebs says
I haven't tried eggshells on orchids,so I cannot say.
Nancy says
Thank you so much for your very clear advice! I have an orchid that I bought when it was starting to bloom in mid March. It is still blooming. This is the longest I've ever kept an orchid alive. It's been 7-1/2 weeks. It has 2 stalks of flowers that fully bloomed, but then it grew 3 more blooms that have not bloomed yet. Hopefully I'm doing something right and they will bloom. I have always considered orchids to be more like cut flowers where I only expected them to live for a couple of weeks, because I could never keep them alive. It has been years since I bought one. So when I got this one, I started reading care tips, moved it to a different location, and I've been bottom watering with sticking the clear plastic cup in water for each week for about an hour until I can feel the top of the bark it is planted in is wet. Our house is very dry (like under 40% humidity). So I also mist the orchid a few times a week. If I can continue to keep it alive, once it is done blooming, I will be repotting it so that it isn't so tippy.
Bebs says
Hi Nancy, keep it up and your orchids will reward you with beautiful blooms for years to come.
Tsokonat says
Hi, I was checking the puto recipe when I saw your blog on orchids. Just in time because I bought orchids for my husband as a gift but of course he expects me to take care of it. I’m planning to repot it but after reading this I think it’s better to leave it there for now and it’s good that I have available pebbles. By the way your orchids look amazing!
Bebs says
Hi, yes, unfortunately, I have to give them away to friends when we moved to the Philippines from Germany. I miss them so much! I will start collecting some again when I can find good ones.
Irene Fernandez says
I have a phal orchid. The roots were mushy so l pulled the outer and left with thin string like roots. I think it has a new leaf and I think it’s growing a new spike which looks like a mitten. It is sitting in water. Very little of its roots are covered. Should I report with bark, charcoal, spagnam moss and a little perlite. The leaves are light green. Thanks. Irene
Bebs says
Hi Irene, yes I recommend repotting and avoid letting it sit in water in the future, they hate that more than being dry or having too less water. You can use bark or charcoal. I do not use moss because they absorb too much water sometimes and causes root rot.
Kate Gregory says
Hello, when repotting do you tuck the new roots growing outside the pot in the pot, or leave them out still? Cheers K.
Bebs says
Hi Kate, usually when I repot, I also cut old dead roots to give space to the new ones so when I put it back in the pot I push it down a bit so the new roots that shot up above are the inside or at least level with the pot. But if there are a lot of new roots and will not fit in, just let them be out the pot. As long as you give them a spray now and then they should be fine.
Marilyn says
Thank you for your article. It confirms what I read and have been doing.
My orchid seems to be doing well, however, it bloomed 2 months ago, the stems turned brown and died. Since then the leaves keep getting bigger but I don’t see any more stems starting. Is this normal, and if it is, how long will I need to wait to have new stems start?
Bebs says
Hi Marilyn, I think it is quite normal. It might take some time before the next stalk comes out, and Phals normally blooms 1-2 time a year lasting for 30 to 60 or even 120 days. I noticed from my collections of phals that they sometimes would have new leaves first before the new stalks form. With older ones sometimes a new stalk will form from the nodes of an old stalk so I usually just cut the stalk close to where the wilted bloom ends. Also, they need sunlight for them to bloom so depending on the location where you place them. But I would not get so worried about it, just be patient.
Sally Seidel says
Do you have to wait til blooming stops to repot? Can you repot it in small pebbles or bark?
Bebs says
Hi Sally, I would wait, if possible after the blooming is done to minimize the stress on your plant and it can focus its energy on forming roots. Cut off dead roots at the same time. I would suggest the bark as the potting medium as it can retain moisture.
Daisy says
Thank you so much for all your tips. My husband just bought me some orchids for my birthday which is nearly a month ago, but I noticed the books were staying to fall. I have about 4 blooms left and after reading your advice I realized I was caring for them improperly. After reading I immediately removed the 2 pots from the planter they were in and the planter was full of water. My poor orchids have been soaking all this time. I am doing all that I can now to keep them going. I really appreciate all your advice. Thanks again.
Darren Stark says
Wen I got my orchid the root were soaking wet and the root are in moss help
Bebs says
Hi Darren, first, make sure you drain away the water. If it is in a pot without holes then transfer it to one with so it can easily dry out and breath. When you get the chance, re-pot it using bark as a medium.
Susan Tebbutt says
To Donna Zawicki
When all the flowers have gone from a stem, I was always told that the stem will eventually turn brown (dead) and I should cut it off near the base. Then lol and behold, by continuing my usual watering system, two new stems grew, and eventually flowered. Be aware though, it took almost a year for this progression.
sdt
Kay Gainous says
I was recently given a orchid that you water with 3 ice cubes once a week (per instructions that came with plant). The tag says it is a just add ice orchid. You can find info on Pinterest, you tube, and Facebook apparently about them.
Thought some of you might be interested. I have only had my a few weeks and doing what it says and it had two blooms when I got it. Now I have nine. I too have killed any orchids.
Victoria says
Hi!
When it comes to re-potting orchids, do you suggest a larger pot? or just trimming the dead roots and placing them back into the same pot? Sorry, just a little lost on the repotting concept since they are coming out at the top (new roots that is)
Bebs says
Hi Victoria, you can use the same pot if it is still fitting after cutting the old or dead roots. But if the roots have spread then get a bigger pot to allow the roots some space to breathe.
Keith H DeFaria says
Hi my dad had a huge orchid garden in suriname south America wit hundreds of orchids I know he was using charcoal stamped in 2 to 3 inch blocks and wood chips and a lot on wood Oak maple most hart wood that he whas using and he had the most beautiful flawers he had the first black fanda and every time it bloomed he whas on vacation. Now I have 22 of them and 4 catleas
Leslie says
When it's time to water, try running them under the kitchen faucet for about 5 minutes. I tried it after reading somewhere that it oxygenates the roots when doing that. Let drain completely before putting back in in its spot, and don't water for another 10 to 14 days. I've been doing this for the last three years after years of sending my phals to orchid heaven and it works! I also re-pot about once a year, sometimes moving up in a bigger size pot or just trimming dead roots and replenishing the orchid bark with fresh pieces. East facing window or south/west with light diffusing shades or blinds.
domingo Valerio says
he tenido muchos problemas parecidos con mis phalenosis, ahora tengo nuevas ideas de manejo conlos consejos de este artículo, gracias.
Beth Dagairag says
Gustong gusto ko ung binigay mong tips po.myroon dn kc ako dto phalaenopsis po. Kakabili q lng last week.. at gagayahn ko po ung ginagawa mo dn sa orchids. tnx for sharing of us.. godless u po
PAT says
MY SISTER IN LAW HAS ORCHIDS AND PUTS ICE CUBES ON THEM AND THEY are doing well. is this not used anymore? do you use fertilizer in the water? i would like to try one, but so far only have many other plants in the BASEMENT BY 2 VERY LARGE WINDOWS AND THEY ARE DOING VERY WELL. MAYBE SOME DAY I WILL TRY AND GET ONE.
Bebs says
Hi Pat, I also read about using ice cube to water orchids but I have never tried it. My personal opinion (and gut instinct) on this is that, it is against the nature of orchids, which naturally grows and thrives on warm or humid jungle but like I said, only my opinion...about fertilizing, I sometimes add a few drops of orchid fertilizer (liquid) to 2 liters of water, I do it once a month (if I remember at all)..
Amor Wallace says
I love flowers, from roses to orchids. Inspired by your blog, I would try to grow one again and try my luck. On top of this, I would also love to try the recipe for white bread and ensaymada. So, wish me luck!
Bebs says
Hi Amor! I hope all goes well with your plans! But I am sure it will..sometimes it just needs patience and determination!?
Dawn says
I love orchids and always have. I had an Aunt who grew them in a large screened porch. They were beautiful, she had at least 20 of them and it seemed one of them or more were always in their full splendor, blooms reaching into the air. To make a long story short one year one of my kids asked me what I wanted for "Mother's Day?" I said "an orchid" surprising even myself! I had NO idea how to take care of one.
Now it is many years later and I now have 12 orchids, since all of my children started buying them for me. I live in Minnesota to give you an idea of how difficult it can be. My orchids are doing well considering it is mid-January. I also got one this year that was blooming beautifully when I received it and now I notice it is growing in dirt! It seemed a bit sad, but until I actually stuck my finger into the soil, I didn't know it was soil. I am not a great houseplant person, they always seem to die on me. But my orchids seem to know how much I love them and bloom for me to this day. I have to repot this spring for the 3rd time! So far so good! Thanks for the article, I enjoyed it!
Bebs says
Hi Dawn, I am glad you enjoyed this article and thanks for sharing your story. I know what you mean...my phals are also a source of joy for me specially when they are in full bloom!
SUSAN SANTOS says
A BLESSED AM TO YOU AND FAM , REGARDING MY PHALS ,I WAS SO CRAZY IN LOVE WITH ALL THE BEAUTY COLORS AND SPEND A LOT JUST TO SEE THEM INSIDE OUR NEW HOUSE HERE IN BAKERSFIELD CALI , BUT THEY ALL IN HEAVEN NOW SO FAR AND PROMISE MY SELF NOT TO GET ONE AFTER DYING BUT EVRYTIME I SEE THEM IN THE STORE, MY HEART CRIES AND GET ONE, THEN TWO AND MORE . AS YOU SAID YOU NEED TO MOVED IT AROUND WHERE THE SUN SHINE AND CUT THE STALK AND CUT THE ROT ROOTS . ALMOST GIVING UP BUT I LOVE FLOWES SO MUCH .,SO I WILL GIVE IT A TRY AGAIN AND AGAIN . THANX MUCH FOR THE ADVICE . GOD BLESS
Bebs says
Do not give up Susan! I know what you mean, I've been there too! I hope these tips help! Goodluck!
Donna Zawicki says
I read your post about phals. I have three...given to me from my students as gifts. After the blooms die, the stem where the blooms were also turns brown and dies. Did I do something wrong? Will a new one grow for more blooms? I've had two phals for about 4 months and no new stem has grown. Don't know what to do. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Bebs says
Some phals would have more branches coming out from the same stem while others will only have one bloom per stem and then new one or two will come out for the next blooms. First can you check for the signs that your phals are healthy? look at the leaves and roots, refer to my list. Usually they would bloom again if they are getting enough sun and right amount of water and humidity. Are they in a pot? Remember the roots would like to breath too so check if there is room for air circulation.