Why is my Orchid Dying?

Orchids are popular indoor houseplants, but caring for them is something a lot of us forget to learn.

If you are a new orchid owner, read all about how to care for orchids here.

In this guide
- Common reasons orchids die - How to save your dying orchid

Common reasons orchids die:

too much sunlight
too much water
too little water
roots are overcrowded

How to save your dying orchid

three orchids by a window with yellow drooping leaves — Notice these orchids have leaves that are drooping and turning yellow. They are getting too much sun!

Move your Orchid (too much sun)

Orchids really only need indirect sunlight. While we might think a windowsill is a great place, your plant will show signs in the leaves if they are getting too much sun.

The leaves will start to droop and turn yellow when it's getting too much sun.

Move your orchid off to the side of the window so the sunlight that it gets is not direct. Or use a curtain to help filter the light getting to your orchid.

Cut back on watering & prune any dead roots (too much water)

a woman checking the roots of her orchid for root rot — If you think overwatering is the problem, inspect your orchid's roots for any dead or soggy roots.

During the spring and summer orchids need to be watered twice a week. In the winter, reduce this to once a month.

If you notice the roots are looking brown or soggy, this is because of over watering. Don't throw them out yet!

You can try removing your orchid from the pot, and prune off any dead roots. Roots that are still healthy will feel hard, squishy or soggy roots are dead.

Then, repot your orchid with fresh potting mix. Find out more about how to repot your orchid here.

Give your orchids a good deep watering (not getting enough water)

an orchid with really dry roots — Extreme case of under watering. Orchids roots will turn gray when they need water.

If you notice your orchid's roots are turning gray, they are not getting enough water.

Fill your sink with three inches deep warm water, then place your orchid into it and let it soak for 10 minutes. Then, remove your orchid, and let it drain on a paper towel.

This ensures your orchid gets a good amount of water while also draining properly so the roots don't rot.

an orchid soaking in warm water — Make sure your orchid's pot has drainage holes, or this won't work.

Repot your Orchid (roots are over crowded)

orchids with roots that look over crowded — The right orchid especially has really bad root over crowding. It needs to be repotted.

When roots are over crowded, they have to compete for water and nutrients. You might also notice the roots look gray.

Get a next size up orchid pot with drainage slots and repot your orchid. You can learn all about repotting orchids here.

Common reasons orchids die:

How to save your dying orchid

Move your Orchid (too much sun)

Cut back on watering & prune any dead roots (too much water)

Give your orchids a good deep watering (not getting enough water)

Repot your Orchid (roots are over crowded)

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