Trying to save a dying plant can be a very difficult task, particularly at this time of the year with the challenging conditions the weather brings.
A gardener has taken to YouTube to share their tips on how to save a dying orchid using a trick they have mastered involving a baking soda solution and rice water.
The expert, from the YouTube channel Great Garden said: “This method will help to care for weak orchids, helping them recover strongly from roots to leaves and bloom.”
Before attempting his gardening hack, he advised orchid enthusiasts to clean up their plants to prevent any unhealthy bits from absorbing valuable nutrients.
The gardener shared top tips for recovering orchids
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To begin with, the gardener advised removing all the wilted and damaged leaves so new healthy ones can step in and grow.
The expert said: “Old leaves can become toxic and cause root rot so they need to be discarded and replaced with fresh medium to ensure the best growth for the plant. Cut off all the damaged roots too.
“This is essential because rotting roots can spread to healthy parts of the plant, preventing it from absorbing nutrients.”
Once all of the damaged parts of the plants have been removed, the expert advised people to set up the plant in an empty pot.
For the orchid hack, gardening enthusiasts will need one litre of water, one jug of water, one teaspoon of baking soda, three teaspoons of rice and Lea stones.
The expert instructed: “Add one litre of water to the pot and one teaspoon of baking soda to the jug and stir well. Baking soda helps prevent mould and bacteria.
“Pour the baking soda solution into the pot and soak the orchid for 10 minutes to disinfect the roots, remove mould and eliminate harmful bacteria. This helps the orchid recover quickly, prevents diseases from reoccurring and promotes the plant’s growth next.”
Once the orchid has been soaked for 10 minutes in the baking soda solution, take it out and dry it with a soft towel.
The expert explained that this removes any remaining solution, prevents mould and bacteria growth and helps the orchid recover quickly and healthily.
Next, gardeners should prepare the teaspoons of rice to provide the orchid with the nutrients it needs.
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The expert said to remove all of the dead bits of the plant before providing nutrients for it to grow
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The expert said: “Take three teaspoons of rice to make natural fertiliser for the orchid and add it to the litre of water. Rice water contains vitamins and minerals that stimulate root growth and improve the health of wilting orchids. After rinsing the rice you can let the rice water ferment overnight to produce beneficial bacteria for the orchid.”
Leave the rice water for 24 hours and let your orchids dry. The expert said: “Then take the orchid and place its roots in a pot. Soak the orchid roots in the rice water for 20 minutes. This stimulates rapid root growth because rice water is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that promote root development.
“After soaking for 20 minutes, take the orchid out and plant it in a new pot. Use Lea stones to line the bottom of the pot. Lea stones have excellent moisture retention and drainage thanks to their porous structure.”
Once this is complete, gardeners should water their orchid with the rice water once every 10 days to help the plant recover quickly. Place the orchid pot in a spot with gentle light which can then help the plant photosynthesize and improve its metabolism.
