My poor orchid. I’ve kept this alive for a few years, despite no blooms. It lives in my kitchen with ample indirect light. On a whim, I decided it might need repotting. When I released it from the crusty, dried block it was sitting in, I realized the poor roots are on the struggle bus. I saw something about soaking in water on a 12hr cycle (12 hrs in water, 12 out). This is what she looks like after days of doing that same thing. I also brewed some black tea and I mixed some of that with the water. What can I do to salvage my orchid with the two new roots growing straight out from the center?
by Outside-Wafer8401
3 Comments
She looks quite good, but her roots are done. I would remove all clearly dead roots, pot her up again and hope for the best.
Did the shriveled roots turn green when you soaked them? I suspect they are all dead. You’ll have to wait for it to grow new ones…
The orchid looks healthy to me–good looking leaves and multiple layers of them, and there are roots between the leaves. I think you are good. The shriveled leaves have done their part. I wouldn’t do too much to the plant other than misting it in the winter months when the air is dry.
PS – you can safely snip off the dead roots from the base. If the cut ends are dry, you can put the plant back into whatever medium you use. If the ends feel damp, let the ends (and the ends only) dry out for a few hours.