How to revive dying orchids: Quick rescue guide

Orchids are beautiful and popular houseplants, but they can have a reputation for being finicky. Under the right growing conditions, they can thrive for years. But if you misread its lighting and watering needs, you can put stress on these plants and potentially kill them. If your orchid is struggling, whether its blooms look wilted or its leaves have spots, there are ways to bring it back to life. You can revive it.

How to revive an orchid

Your orchid may show several signs that it’s struggling. If the potting mix has an unpleasant odour, it indicates a bacterial or fungal issue that requires immediate attention. Luckily, there are a few ways to revive a dying orchid, but you need to identify what is putting stress on the plant to save it.

Adjust the watering schedule: Over or under-watering an orchid can cause stress on the orchid. If they are yellowing and dropping off, the orchid is a little wet. If you have been over- or under-watering your plant, you need to adjust the watering to get it back on point.
Trim the roots: Always check the roots of your orchid and trim any dead, shrivelled, or dying roots. If the roots show signs of root rot or other fungal issues, trim the roots and repot the plant immediately.
Provide it with more sunlight: If the leaves or flowers of your orchid plant look wilted, giving it more sunlight might help revive it. Giving it a brighter spot—either with natural or artificial light can help supercharge your plant.
Maintain it with high humidity: Maintaining the proper humidity level for your orchid helps prevent it from drying out too quickly. This, however, depends on the type of orchid you have. If your orchid needs a humidity boost, putting it over a water tray under the pot can help revive the plant’s humidity.

Understanding the needs of your orchid is crucial for keeping it healthy and avoiding the need for revival. Knowing the plant’s native growing habits will give you insight into its care requirements.