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josefinaz

Beginner: what's going on in my orchid pot??? HELP!

9 years ago

Hi! I'm a beginner in orchid growing.

I planted these like 10 months ago in this pot, when they still had flowers. Haven't flowered again. Now I see yellow leaves and black spots on back of leaves. Can anyone please tell me what's going on and how can I help my orchids be healthy and bloom again? Some pics attached. Thank you!!!!!!

Comments (7)

  • 9 years ago

    If that's where you're keeping it, it looks like it's not getting enough sunlight. I give my orchids as much sunlight as possible; bright, indirect sunlight. Your's is getting some indirect sunlight, but not enough to sustain those leaves. If it doesn't get enough sunlight to do so, then it will shed whatever leaves necessary to conserve what little energy that it is getting. Plants can tolerate low light levels, that doesn't mean that they prefer low light levels. I give all of my plants, including my orchids, as much sunlight as they can tolerate without getting sunburned. Which is usually very bright indirect sunlight. Just as long as the sunlight is not directly shining on its leaves, it can be as bright as tolerable. Especially if you want it to bloom again.

  • 9 years ago

    You potted it like you would a tomato. Orchids are air plants. Some like their root all in the pot. Your plant needs to be planted on the medium not in it. You might need an experienced grower to show you how. You need to furnish more info. Solar exposure, water frequency, moving air, fertilizer, temps, where do you live?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yes probably may need more light.

    I reasearched web before planting them and did followed instructions. They are planted on orchid medium. But yes, was wondering if they need roots to be more exposed.

    BTW I live in Hawaii, perfect weather for orchids

    I did some research on bugs and fungi and looks like they have those. Any advise on fungicides for den orchids?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You live in Hawaii and you're growing your orchid indoors?! You can't ask for a better environment than that in Hawaii. All of my plants go outside as soon as it's warm enough for them to do so. I couldn't fathom keeping them indoors in such an ideal habitat. Growing indoors (even in Hawaii) is not the same thing as growing outdoors.

    As for fungicides, I've been growing orchids for the better part of two decades and I have never used any fungicides on them. By keeping your orchid indoors, you're only hindering its ability to keep itself healthy. Sure, they can be grown indoors, provided that their most basic needs are met, but if you grow them outdoors, then they practically take care of themselves. As I stated earlier, I move mine outdoors, and while they're out there, they either get rained on or blasted with the water hose, as well as the occasional watering with diluted fertilizers. Other than that, they pretty much get ignored by me. Back when I first started growing orchids, I was always killing them with kindness. Then I learned to just let them be and let them take care of themselves (for the most part).

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I have orchids living outside too, even some of them on trees.

    But i like having plants inside as well and I love orchids so was trying to grow these inside.

    Anyways find out in another forum H2O2 diluted 5% kills bugs and fungi and is good for orchid roots. Cinnamon is also a mild antibacterial.

    im trying that.

  • 9 years ago

    Nothing wrong with bringing them indoors to enjoy the display. But when they're not in bloom, they do much better outdoors. Plus, they require less care than they would need from trying to keep them indoors.

    I live here in the South, over here in the continental US. It stays warm and humid most of the time, with plenty of thunderstorms rolling thru the area, but they still need to be brought indoors during the winter. I would love having them growing outdoors in my yard and trees all year long, if that were possible. However, they do brighten up the dull, dreary cold winter months, so I can't complain too much.

    One more thing, not all fungi are the bad kind. Most are beneficial, especially for orchids. In the wild, orchid seeds wouldn't be able to germinate without the aid of certain beneficial fungi. They keep the rainforests healthy and help to quickly recycle dead organic matter back into usable nutrients for living plants. I would focus on improving your orchid's growing conditions, rather than taking more drastic measures. Using fungicides kills off these beneficial fungi along with any harmful ones.

  • 9 years ago

    There are many orchid growers in Hawaii. And I'm sure there are orchid societies to join. Being a member is fun and the fastest way to accelerate your orchid growing skills. Including potting. Also you will have opportunities to purchase unique orchids.

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