How to Care for a Dying Orchid

Step 1 
Rehydrate your orchid when the leaves look crinkled or have begun to brown at the edges. Hold the pot under a gently flowing faucet of tepid, never cold, water. Saturate the planting medium and roots until the pot feels heavy. Allow the excess water to drain away. Water this way every other day for 4 days and then do so once per week, allowing the medium to dry out just slightly at the top between waterings. Another test is to water when the pot feels light when lifted. 


Step 2 
Select a growing space for the orchid that has 6 to 8 hours of bright indirect light daily from a eastern, southern or western exposure. Avoid direct sunlight unless it is morning or late afternoon sun. Never allow your orchid to bake in direct midday sun. Provide ambient temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees F.  


Step 3 
Cut back a dying flower spike once the flowers have dropped away and the green stem has desiccated (turned brown, woody and crisp). Use clean secateurs or scissors to cut the stem down to the base of the plant between the fleshy leaves and discard it. Never cut the stem when it is parthally green, as the nutrients and moisture are in the process of moving back down into the plant and roots for future use.  


Step 4 
Feed the orchid monthly with a commercial orchid food diluted to 50 percent of the recommended strength with tepid water. Prewater the planting medium under the faucet and then pour the fertilizer solution through the medium and roots to saturate. Do not overfeed, as you can easily burn the roots and build up fertilizer salts to toxic levels for the orchid. 


Step 5
Repot your orchid with fresh planting medium. Use bagged commercial orchid mix, choosing very coarse bark and charcoal for epiphytic orchids such as dendrobiums and phalaenopsis. Choose finer bark, charcoal and soil mix for terrestrial orchids such as paphiopedalums.

Orchid Anatomy

The structure of orchid flowers is unique among floral plants. The orchid flower is typically has an outer whorl of three sepals, an inner whorl of three petals, and a single large column (the gynostemium, composed of the male stamens attached to the female pistil) in the center.             The sepals are the protective cover of the flower bud. When the flower opens, the sepals may become enlarged and colored. In most species, the sepals are equal sized and look like petals. In some species, however, the top, or "dorsal" sepal becomes very large and showy, the two lower "lateral" sepals are sometimes fused into one structure, and in other species all three sepals are fused forming a bell-shaped structure around the flower. In some species, the display of the sepals completely overwhelm the actual flower.             The two lateral petals flank the greatly enlarged flamboyant bottom petal (lip or labellum) which is usually highly modified to attract and, in some cases, trap potential pollinators. The lip may be differently colored or marked, ruffled or pouch shaped, decorated with crests, tails, horns, fans, warts, hairs, teeth, or other decorations attractive to their selected pollinator.             The orchid's reproductive organs are combined into a single column (a gynostemium) unlike the usually separate male stamen/anther and female pistil/stigma configurations of other flowers. This is the primary identification feature of an orchid. At the top of the column is the male anther which contains packets of pollen called pollinia. Below the anther is the stigma, a shallow, usually sticky cavity in which the pollen is placed for fertilization. There is a small growth, called the rostellum which acts as a protective barrier to prevent self pollenation. Some species produce separate male and female flowers to prevent self pollenation.             The overall flower shape is characteristically bilaterally symmetrical (the left and right halves of the blossom are mirror images), a necessity for reliable pollenation by bees.             In the bud stage, the lip is the uppermost petal. In most (but not all) orchids, as the flower opens, the flower twists 180° around its flower stalk to position the lip on the bottom. This unique process is called resupination. Some orchid flowers remain "upside down" or non- resupinate while other flowers will rotate in a complete 360° circle ending back in the original upside position!             Many tropical species of orchid will rely on a single species of euglossine bee to pollinate them, and the bee will visit only that particular species of orchid. Some orchid species have established pollinator relationships with flies, gnats, moths, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even bats! Roots The roots are responsible for absorbing water in the soil. They form the bottom part of an orchid. Roots attach themselves on trees and on rocks to support the plant. They get food from fertilizers. Like most roots, they have main roots and hair roots responsible for mineral and water absorption. Some orchids have water absorption system called pseudobulbs. They are very competent in storing water for later use. Stems They are just above the roots. The stem also forms the lower part of orchids. Most of the time orchids only have a main stem. Most orchid stems vary in thickness depending on their variety. They serve as a vessel for nutrients and water to travel to all plant parts. The stem is where leaves are found. Leaves Orchid leaves vary in color. Dark green leaves indicate less exposure to light while yellow leaves meant too much exposure to direct sunlight. The ideal color for leaves should be bright green. The leaves are responsible for food photosynthesis. Spike The spike holds flower buds of orchids. They form sprays for the orchids. Some of them can carry a single flower like Cattleya while others make clusters of flowers like the Phalaenopsis. Flowers Most orchid flowers vary in colors and in shapes depending on their species. Orchid flowers have like five elaborate parts. Petals – They always occur in three. The two petals are “normal” while the third one called lip or labellum serves as a landing surface for insects during pollination. Sepals – There are also three of them. They are similar to petals but they are not petals. They are remains of a flower bud. Lip or Labellum – They are the colorful ones, the lower petals of all orchids. They serve as a   ‘landing platform’ for pollinators like birds and butterflies. The orchid Dendrobium, for example, is known for its colorful labellum. Column – They bear a resemblance to human fingers. They carry the orchids’ reproductive organs. This is where you can find orchid seeds to germinate in orchid flasks.

LAELIA

1. Sepals - Although they may look like petals, they are actually the glorified remains of the flower bud. There are usually three of approximately equal size. 2. Petals - Orchids always have three petals. Two are "normal," and the third becomes a highly specialized structure called a lip. 3. Lip or Labellum - The lower petal of an orchid. Used by the flower to provide a 'landing platform' for its pollinator. 4. Column - A finger-like structure that carries the orchid's reproductive organs--the stigmatic surface (female organs) and the pollinia (male organs) located under the anther cap (operculum).

CATTLEYA

1. Sepals - Although they may look like petals, they are actually the glorified remains of the flower bud. There are usually three of approximately equal size. 2. Petals - Orchids always have three petals. Two are "normal," and the third becomes a highly specialized structure called a lip. 3. Lip or Labellum - The lower petal of an orchid. Used by the flower to provide a 'landing platform' for its pollinator. 4. Column - A finger-like structure that carries the orchid's reproductive organs--the stigmatic surface (female organs) and the pollinia (male organs) located under the anther cap (operculum).

PAPHIOPEDILUM

1. Sepals - Although they may look like petals, they are actually the glorified remains of the flower bud. There are usually three of approximately equal size, but not always. The two lateral sepals are fused into one and the dorsal (top) sepal is greatly enlarged in the case of the paphiopedilum and others. 2. Petals - Orchids always have three petals. Two are "normal," and the third becomes a highly specialized structure called a lip. 3. Lip or Labellum - The lower petal of an orchid. Used by the flower to provide a 'landing platform' (or a trap, in this case) for its pollinator. 4. Column - A finger-like structure that carries the orchid's reproductive organs--the stigmatic surface (female organs) and the pollinia (male organs) located under the anther cap (operculum).

Orchid Diseases

Orchid Diseases can be roughly divided into these groups: Bacterial, fungal, viral and pests. In all of these cases it is important to pay attention and to be diligent if any action is needed. This attention and quick action is important to the health and thriving of your orchid plants.

I suggest that you check your orchids weekly for any signs of disease or trouble. The earlier a problem is discovered the easier it is to effectively treat the problem.

Orchid Diseases:

•  Bacterial Problems:

One common bacteria problem is known as "brown spot". This is a serious infection and can kill your plant. It can be identified by a brown blister that looks somewhat "watery" located on one of the leaves. Orchid Diseases: Bacterial Problems The blister enlarges and can infect the whole leaf and the tissue can become wet and soggy as it rots enlarge quickly and soon, the whole leaf will become infected. If the infection reachs the crown of the plant, it will likely be fatal. Phalaenopsis orchids are particularly prone to getting crown rot. If a plant is infected it is important to keep the infection from spreading both on the individual plant and to other plants in your collection. Remove the infected parts with a new, sterile single edged razor blade. It is recommended to treat with a chemical like Physan which is effective on both bacteria and fungus.
     

•  Fungal Problems:

Fungus on orchids can cause a lot of problems and can be serious. If not properly treated they can lead to rot, yellow leaves and orchid death. The best way to prevent fungal infections is to control the conditions that favor the growth of fungi in the first place.

Fungal problems can come from a number of different organisms. Black Rot is often caused by Phytophthora. The grey molds are usually Botrytis cinerea. Root rots come most often from the Pythium and Phytophthora.

Black Rot can develop in orchid roots and leaves. It is promoted by letting the plant sit in water or if the orchid media has decomposed enough to rot. There are soft rotted areas on the leaves, new growths and sometimes the roots. Once it spreads to the roots, the lifeline of a healthy orchid plant it can be fatal. Named for its color the leaves will turn brown and then black. As with a bacterial infection treat by cutting the infected area off past the infected area and into the healthy tissue. It is important to use sterile technique in between cuts if one is cutting infected plant material. Or use new single edged razor blades and discard the blade if it has been used on the rotted material. Do not use a blade on rotted material and then cut healthy material or you will just spread the disease. Use a fungicide like Physan on the cut areas of the plant.

Leaf Spot is a fungus that affects injured leaves. It is on of the causes of yellow leaves. It starts on the underside and then can spread to the top of the leaf. It can look like very small roundish brown sunken spots. Treatment is to remove the badly damaged leaves and treat with a fungicide.

Root Rot will sap the life of the plant over a period of months before it dies. The leaves may appear droopy and stunted. Brown-black areas are seen in the roots and the roots are often clearly rotten or missing. Sometimes the leaves will be twisted and yellowed. Treat root rot by cutting off all rotted and infected areas, sterilizing your cutting tool after every cut (or use a new single edged razor blade) as previously described. Discard all the old potting medium, cut the rotten roots away treat with a fungicide and repot with new potting material and a new sterile pot. Reduce water for a while after repotting until the orchid has recouperated.

Another common fungal disease is petal blight. This causes an orchid flower to develop spots. It happens when water is allowed to collect on the surfaces of the flowers. If this is the case, you will need to use a fungicide. And it is important to increase the air circulation around the plants and to decrease the humidity levels. Removing the infected flowers will help reduce the spread of the disease. If your plant is affected with petal blight, you will need to apply fungicide to get rid of the problem. You should also increase air circulation and decrease the humidity levels. It's also best if you remove flowers that have been infected. This will reduce the likelihood of this orchid disease spreading.

•  Viral Problems:

Some orchid diseases are caused by a virus. Viral infections are much harder to diagnose. Its important to monitor your plants for diseases affecting orchids because they can spread from plant to plant, and kill all of your plants.
Orchid Diseases: Viral Disease Orchid viruses are not that common. Over 20 different viral diseases have been identified in orchids. Viral infections, unlike bacterial and fungus infections are invisible. It may take some time to notice that your plant is ill and that something is affecting its health. The symptoms of an orchid virus are hard to detect at first and can look like other diseases. Sometimes there is a modeling of the tissue or a slight yellowish or white streaking. Later, they may be brown pitting on the leaf. Unlike fungus and bacterial infections the damage is systemic. It is not merely on the surface, it will appear to penetrate the leaf tissue. Viral infections are easily spread through contact of fluids. Insect vectors can spread a viral infection, as well as using unsterilized tools when working with your orchids.

The Meaning & Symbolism of Orchid

The most highly coveted of ornamental plants, the delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. In ancient Greece, orchids were associated with virility. In fact, Greek women believed that if the father of their unborn child ate large, new orchid tubers, the baby would be a boy. If the mother ate small orchid tubers, she would give birth to a girl.

During the Victorian era, orchid symbolism shifted to luxury, and today this sense of magnificence and artful splendor continues, with orchids representing rare and delicate beauty. The 14th wedding anniversary flower, pink orchids convey pure affection, and the popular cattelya orchid represents mature charm.


The Botany of Orchid

All varieties of orchids make up the Orchidaceae family. They have been discovered growing on every continent except Antarctica. The greatest number of orchid species is found in tropical regions. The majority of orchids are epiphytes  meaning they grow on top of or attached to another living plant not parasites as once thought. They obtain their nutrients through the spongy epidermis of their roots.
Many orchids produce a sweet fragrance, which attracts a wide range of pollinators such as birds, bees, flies and even ants.
Since orchids are grown in many different locations around the world, most varieties do not have a limited season of availability. There are nearly 30,000 varieties, but the most common are Dendrobiums, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Vanda. Because of their more limited commercial production, orchids are generally used in event work, such as weddings, parties and upscale occasions. Each type of orchid has its own personality. Dendrobiums are often used as cut flowers in tropical arrangements, while Cymbidium orchids were once thought of as the Mother’s Day corsage orchid, making it a commonly recognized variety. Cattleya orchids were the popular choice of brides during the 40s and 50s, but Phalaenopsis (or Butterfly) orchids are the choice for modern arrangements because of their simplicity and elegance. Some orchids are edible and are used as garnish in culinary presentations.
Vanilla is one of the rare examples of orchids being used for food. Both the seeds and surrounding pulp within the seed pod of the Vanilla orchid are used to make the extremely popular flavoring vanilla extract.

Orchid Types

• Epiphytic orchids

Growing orchids grow a ride on other trees without harming the host plant and the need light shade from the sun. Orchid roots absorb nutrients from the rain, fog and the surrounding air. Example: Cattleya sp., Dendrobiumsp.,

•   Terrestrial orchids

Orchid that grows in the ground and requires direct sunlight. roots take food from the soil. Example: Vanda sp.

•   Saprophyte orchid

Orchids that grow in media containing humus or dried leaves, and need little sunlight. This type does not have leaves and chlorophyll. Example: Goodyera sp.

•   Litofit orchids

Orchids that grow on rocks or rocky soil, and resistant to full sunlight. Orchid is taking food from the rain, air, humus. Example: Paphiopedilum sp.