Depending on the type of orchid you have, your plant may begin to die after only a few weeks of cultivation. Orchids are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, which can result in bud blast, when flower buds are lost. However, there are ways to revive your orchid.
The most common cause of death is overwatering. Orchids need a “hard dry” to survive. You should water your plant only as needed, and not allow the soil to become soggy.
If your orchid does not get enough water, the roots can dry out, causing rot. Keeping the soil moist allows bacteria and fungi to grow, which can be harmful to your orchid. It is also important to re-pot your orchid after it has finished blooming. The best time to do so is in the spring.
High Humidity
Orchids can also die if they are exposed to high humidity, or if they are in an area where they get too much direct sunlight. These are all situations that should be avoided, as they can cause wilting and stunted growth.
You should also be wary of insect infestations. The worst bug infestations are mealybugs, which can destroy your orchid, leaving it with little chance of recovery. You can kill mealybugs by spraying your plant with a fungicide, such as Neem oil.
Root rot is also a common cause of orchid death. If you notice that the root of your plant has become brown or yellow, it is time to trim it back. You can do this by using sterile pruners to cut the diseased roots back to the base. You should wipe the blades of the sterile pruner with alcohol disinfectant between each cut to prevent the spread of the disease.
If you are worried that your orchid is dying, you can revive it by removing the diseased parts and re-potting it in fresh soil. This will prevent further infection from spreading to the rest of the plant. However, it may take several months for the plant to completely recover.
Heat Stress
Another cause of death is heat stress. Orchids are especially sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. You should try to keep your orchid away from drafts and open windows, as they can cause rapid temperature changes. The ideal temperature for your orchid is 55degF to 75degF.
Orchids that are placed in a room that is too warm will lose their flower buds, while those placed in a room that is too cold will experience stunted growth. You should also be careful about using too much fertilizer, as fertilizer burn can cause your orchid to die.
Symptoms such as scorch marks and burnt leaf tips can indicate that your orchid has received too much fertilizer. This can be caused by a buildup of salt in the soil. You can also mist the leaves with water to help them recover.
Root rot can be cured by re-potting your orchid in fresh soil. You can also try spritzing the diseased parts with hydrogen peroxide and water. This will kill the fungi that are causing the root rot.
TIP: Check out the complete article What you need for keeping indoor orchids