Reviving a Rotten Orchid: A Step-by-Step Guide

Orchids are delicate yet resilient plants. Even if they appear dead, there are still ways to revive them. Today, I will share with you five essential methods to restore a dying orchid and bring it back to health.

Method 1: Using Cinnamon Water to Revive an Orchid

  1. Assess the Damage
    • If your orchid has withered leaves, leaving only the stem and roots, don’t throw it away immediately.
    • Examine the roots; if there are fresh, green roots left, the orchid has a chance of survival.
  2. Trim Rotten Roots and Leaves
    • Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears to cut off all damaged, rotten, and mushy roots.
    • Apply molten candle wax to the cut surfaces to prevent water from penetrating the plant and causing further rot.
  3. Prepare Cinnamon Water
    • Add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder to 1 liter of boiled water.
    • Cover and let it cool completely.
    • Once cooled, filter out the residue and keep the liquid.
  4. Soak the Orchid in Cinnamon Water
    • Submerge the orchid in the solution for 30 minutes.
    • Use the leftover solution to spray on other orchids to prevent fungal diseases and insect infestations.
  5. Replanting and Care
    • Use pine bark and dry pumice stone as the growing medium.
    • Add a thin layer of dry moss on the surface.
    • Place the orchid in a cool, well-lit area for 7 days without watering.
    • After 7 days, begin misting the plant every 5 days to maintain moisture.

Method 2: Garlic Water Treatment

  1. Trim and Clean the Orchid
    • Remove all wilted leaves and rotten roots.
    • Cut off any remaining flower stalks so that the plant focuses its energy on new growth.
    • Rinse the entire plant with clean water.
  2. Prepare Garlic Water
    • Mince 3 cloves of garlic and soak them in 1 liter of water at room temperature for 24 hours.
    • Filter out the residue and keep the garlic-infused water.
  3. Soak the Orchid
    • Submerge the orchid in garlic water for 20 minutes.
    • The remaining garlic water can be sprayed on other orchids to prevent fungal infections and insect infestations.
  4. Replant and Maintain Moisture
    • Plant the orchid in pine bark or dry pumice stone.
    • Keep the plant in a cool place without watering for 1 week.
    • After 1 week, begin watering sparingly and misting regularly to promote moisture.
  5. Stimulate Growth with Ginger Extract
    • Mix 3ml of ginger extract (GE) with 1 liter of water.
    • Use this solution to water the orchid every 10 days to encourage growth.
    • Continue placing the orchid in a cool area away from direct sunlight.

Method 3: Cinnamon Powder for Fungal Protection

  1. Trim and Disinfect
    • Cut off all damaged roots and leaves.
    • Rinse the orchid with clean water.
    • Dry the cut surfaces and apply molten candle wax to prevent infection.
  2. Prepare Cinnamon Water
    • Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 1 liter of boiled water.
    • Let the mixture cool and filter out the residue.
  3. Soak and Spray
    • Submerge the orchid in the cinnamon solution for 30 minutes.
    • Spray the cinnamon water on both sides of the leaves.
    • Cinnamon acts as a natural antiseptic, protecting the orchid from fungi and pests.
  4. Replant and Create Humidity
    • Use dry pine bark as a growing medium.
    • Spread a layer of moss on top.
    • Avoid watering for 1 week to prevent fungal growth.
    • After 1 week, resume watering and maintain humidity levels by placing a dish of water under the pot.

Method 4: White Cement Solution for Bacterial Infections

  1. Prepare White Cement Solution
    • Mix 1 teaspoon of white cement with 0.5 liters of water.
    • Let it sit for 30 minutes, then carefully pour off the clear water, discarding the residue.
  2. Soak the Orchid
    • Submerge the orchid in the clear white cement solution for 30 minutes.
    • Hang the orchid in a cool, shaded area for 1 day to dry.
  3. Disinfect with Cinnamon Powder
    • Sprinkle cinnamon powder on all cut areas to disinfect.
  4. Replant and Maintain Moisture
    • Use dry pine bark for potting.
    • Keep the orchid in a cool place without watering for 1 week.
    • After 1 week, start watering and misting as needed.
  5. Aloe Vera Water for Root Growth
    • Blend 20 grams of aloe vera leaves with 1 liter of water.
    • Use this mixture to water the orchid once a week to stimulate root development.

Method 5: Garlic and Aloe Vera Root Stimulator

  1. Prepare the Growth Stimulant
    • Blend 30g of aloe vera leaves with 2 cloves of germinated garlic.
    • Add 1 liter of water and strain out the residue.
  2. Soak the Orchid
    • Submerge the orchid in this solution for 20 minutes.
  3. Use a Recycled Plastic Bottle as a Greenhouse
    • Cut a plastic bottle, creating a ventilated mini-greenhouse.
    • Use dry pine bark as the growing medium.
    • Keep the orchid in a cool place for 1 week without watering.
  4. Maintain Moisture and Encourage Growth
    • After 1 week, begin watering every 5 days.
    • Continue misting to maintain humidity.
  5. Observe New Growth
    • After 3 weeks, the orchid should begin to sprout.
    • Maintain misting every 5 days and keep it in a cool, humid environment.
    • After 2 months, the orchid should have revived completely, with healthy roots and leaves.

Final Thoughts

Orchids have a remarkable ability to recover from damage if given the right care. By using these methods—cinnamon water, garlic water, white cement, and aloe vera—you can revive your orchid and help it thrive. Regular misting, organic fertilizers, and maintaining proper humidity will ensure your orchids grow strong and produce beautiful blooms. Try these techniques, and you may be surprised by how resilient your orchids can be!

 

jardin