Despite the fact that many types of orchids are unpretentious in the care, in the process of their cultivation you can face a number of problems. The most common of these is root decay. This is especially true in the autumn-winter time. It happens that the complete death of the roots and leaves of the orchid occurs. Is it possible to save the plant in this case? It is worth finding out.
The importance of these parts in the life of the flower
The roots and leaves for orchids are very important.
Roots:
- Collect moisture.
- They accumulate nutrients.
- Carry out photosynthesis.
Attention! Under natural conditions, orchids are never fully submerged in the soil or water, some horses are on the surface. Therefore, if overdrying of the soil has occurred, it is not necessary to flood the plant with water. It is better to hold the root for 10 minutes in water, and then spray the foliage.
Leaves:
- The condition of the leaves may indicate how much the plant has adapted to the external environment.
- Dense and elastic leaves indicate that the flower developed in conditions of drought.
- Some leaves are compacted in species that grow in open spaces with good lighting.
- Shade orchids have soft and light leaves that quickly burn in the sun.
What are the consequences of their absence?
The consequences of this circumstance will be obvious. A flower cannot grow without these important elements. There will be a gradual death.
To determine how serious it is, you need to inspect the roots for damage.
The following signs will indicate root loss:
- Color change.
- Slippery and wet areas.
- If you press on the roots, water will flow out of them.
- The presence of collapsed filiform roots.
What are the causes of this problem?
The reasons for the fall of the leaves and the absence of the roots of the orchid may be different. The most common are:
- Wrong watering. Many inexperienced gardeners believe that the more often you water the orchid, the better for its growth. In fact, it is not. It is necessary to know the size of the roots of the flower and the period of their activity. Watering is necessary after the substrate is completely dry. To do this, the orchid is planted in a transparent container with holes, where it can be seen when the plant needs watering.
- Lighting. More precisely, poor lighting, especially in the autumn-winter period. If you violate the normal lighting system fails in the growth of the flower. At first it affects the leaves that wither, turn yellow and fall off. They, in turn, send a signal to the root system, which also gradually loses its vitality.
- Substrate non-sterility. If the flower is present in the soil for a long time, then various insects can accumulate in it - ticks, fungi and other microorganisms. They can be both beneficial and harmful. Some aggressive representatives destroy the roots and foliage of orchids.
- It happens that the cause of falling leaves and the death of the root system has not been established. In this case, the plant is placed in a fungicide. Its dosage should be half that in the instructions. If you regularly process the orchid like this, then its immune system will be strengthened.
How to reanimate at home: step by step instructions
Is it possible if all the roots and leaves have fallen off?
Attention! If the roots have rotted, the flower may die.
In this case, urgent resuscitation is needed. In this case, the flower is planted in a greenhouse of a small size, which is purchased in a specialty store or made by itself from a plastic box. At the bottom of the greenhouse pouring clay and moss.
After which the plant is neatly placed there. It is very important in this case, good lighting, so you should buy a fitolamp in advance.
The following procedures are carried out:
- Periodically you need to soak the flower in a nutrient solution and in water.
- Wipe the base where the leaves should appear, substances to stimulate growth.
- Bathe the orchid in water with the addition of special preparations.
Drugs that are added to water to restore the root system:
- Vitamins of group B. They contribute to the restoration of rotten root system. The flower should be soaked once a month in such a solution and wipe it once a week.
- Growth regulators. They contain phytohormones that restore the structure of the roots. Soak the plant in them should be monthly.
- Fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus. Top dressing by them is carried out once in 2 months.
- Glucose. If the plant is healthy, then glucose is produced by photosynthesis itself. A sick flower needs additional feeding with the content of this substance, since glucose promotes the formation of new cells.
- Microfertilizer with iron chelate stimulates the growth of roots and leaves.
Attention! It can take from several months to one year to restore a damaged orchid.
No growth point
In this case, all rotted roots are removed. This is done with the help of pre-disinfected scissors. Then the plant is installed in the water so that its upper part rises above the water. You need to move the container with an orchid in a well-lit place. So the orchid will begin to recover, and a new root system should appear soon.
We offer to watch a video about orchid resuscitation without a growth point:
No sheet
If the orchid leaves began to fall off, but the root remained unchanged, the following recovery tips will help:
- You should not wait for all the leaves to fall off the orchid, you must remove the flower from the pot and examine the state of the root system.
- It is necessary to monitor the system of the natural change of leaves, so as not to confuse the natural process with a pathological condition.
- Irrigation rules for room conditions should be clearly adjusted.
- If the plant is just bought, you should immediately check the roots for the presence of rot or disease.
- If necessary, you need to use room greenhouse.
- At times it is worth replanting a flower in a new substrate.
- Clearly adhere to the concept when using firming agents.
We offer to watch a video on how to reanimate a leafless orchid:
When resuscitation no longer makes sense?
When the orchid has rotted all the roots and all the leaves have withered, it will be impossible to save the plant.
But if all the same small parts of the roots remained in good condition, then it is worth trying to reanimate the orchid.
- To begin with, all rotten parts of the plant are removed. Then it is well dried.
- Where cuts were made, areas are disinfected. This is done using activated carbon. It is ground into powder, and sections are processed with this agent.
- After this, the zones where the future roots should form are processed with vitamin solutions.
- And that is not all. After all these actions requires constant care and feeding of orchids.
Care for a sluggish plant
When growing orchids, it is always worth remembering that a flower tolerates aridity more easily than an excess of moisture. The orchid should be in a transparent pot with holes, so it will be easier to regulate the time of watering. Also pay attention to the fact that the plant does not overheat and receive sufficient lighting. But direct sunlight is detrimental to the orchid, the light must be diffused.
It is difficult to care for a sick plant, but it is quite realistic to restore it. We will have to make a little effort before the flower will once again delight the household with its flowering.
