If you have an orchid whose leaves are starting to soften and all its flowers have fallen, don’t worry! Over time, orchids naturally shed their flowers, but with proper care and maintenance, you can revive them and encourage new blooms. Today, I will show you how to take care of such orchids in four simple yet effective steps.

Step 1: Pruning Your Orchid

The first thing you need to do when your orchid has shed its flowers is pruning. Proper pruning encourages new growth and ensures the plant directs its energy toward developing healthy new branches and leaves.

How to Prune Orchid Branches

  • Identify the empty nodes on the orchid’s flower branch. Empty nodes are the sections where flowers once bloomed and then fell off.
  • Always cut the branch between a full node and an empty node. A full node is where a new flower branch can potentially emerge.
  • If the orchid has a bud at the tip, it may take a long time to develop. In such cases, pruning is still recommended to encourage quicker and healthier regrowth.
  • Use a sharp knife or scissors for cutting to ensure a clean cut. Be cautious—orchid sap should not leak excessively when cutting, as this can weaken the plant.
  • Side branches should also be pruned, as new flower branches often sprout from them.

After pruning, apply cinnamon powder to the cut areas. Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that prevent drying and yellowing of the cut branch tips, ensuring a smooth healing process.

Once pruning is complete, place the orchid in a bright spot, preferably on a windowsill that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which may cause leaf burns.

Step 2: Using Tomato Juice for Orchid Revitalization

The second step in reviving your orchid involves using a natural nutrient booster—tomato juice. Tomatoes are rich in essential vitamins, phosphorus, and magnesium, which orchids need for healthy growth and abundant blooming.

How to Prepare and Use Tomato Juice

  1. Take half a tomato and chop it into small slices.
  2. Pour about 200ml of water over the tomato slices.
  3. Blend the mixture into a fine puree.
  4. Strain the puree carefully, ensuring that no pulp or seeds remain, as they should not come into contact with the orchid’s roots or leaves.
  5. Add 1 liter of water to dilute the concentrated tomato juice. If you have multiple plants, you can further dilute it with up to 2 liters of water.

Application Methods

For Leaf Diseases and Pests:

  • If your orchid has leaf diseases such as fungal infections, sunburn spots, red bugs, or thrips, tomato juice’s antioxidant properties help eliminate these issues.
  • Pour the tomato juice into a spray bottle and apply it to both the top and underside of the leaves.
  • This method also helps repel mealybugs and lice while preventing new infestations.

For Root Health:

  • Carefully pour the strained tomato juice near the roots, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  • Avoid applying the mixture directly to flower branches, as this may cause spotting or burns on delicate orchid petals.

After applying the tomato juice, place the orchid in a well-lit area and allow the leaves to dry naturally.

Step 3: Leaf Shine and Strengthening

The third method ensures that your orchid’s leaves remain vibrant, strong, and healthy. Weak or softened leaves indicate that the plant lacks nutrients.

  • Take a cotton pad and dip it into the diluted tomato juice.
  • Gently wipe each leaf, covering both the top and bottom surfaces.
  • This process nourishes the leaves, makes them shinier, and helps restore their firmness.
  • Repeat this treatment every two weeks to maintain leaf health and enhance the orchid’s overall appearance.

After wiping the leaves, you will notice an immediate improvement—brighter, greener, and more vibrant foliage.

Step 4: Strengthening Orchid Roots

For orchids to bloom beautifully, their roots must be strong and disease-free. If your orchid has root rot, insects, or fungal infections, tomato juice can help rejuvenate the plant and prevent further damage.

Root Treatment Process:

  1. Pour 100ml of tomato juice into a glass.
  2. Slowly pour the juice over the orchid’s roots, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Do this once a month to promote root health and encourage blooming.

When an orchid’s roots and leaves are healthy, it has a higher chance of producing beautiful, abundant flowers. If your orchid has not been blooming for a long time, the issue likely lies in its root or leaf health.

The Results of Proper Orchid Care

After following these four essential steps—pruning, tomato juice treatment, leaf shine, and root care—you will see noticeable improvements in your orchid’s health. The plant will develop fresh green leaves, and new flower buds will emerge from the nodes.

If you continue this care routine, you will soon enjoy a revitalized orchid with strong branches, vibrant leaves, and abundant blossoms. This natural treatment method is simple, effective, and ensures that your orchids remain healthy and beautiful all year round.

 

jardin