Orchids, often misunderstood as fussy flowers, actually require less fuss than they are reputed to need, particularly the Phalaenopsis – a favourite among houseplant enthusiasts.
Yet, there’s a knack for keeping orchids thriving and ready to burst into bloom once more.
In a plea for plant salvation, an orchid owner reached out anonymously on the Gardening UK Facebook group, questioning the health of their plant post-vacation, with its previously bountiful blooms now wilting.
The worried owner posted: “Advice please! My orchid was doing too well, it had beautiful flowers before I left for a week’s holidays, came back and the flowers were dying.
“I’ve made sure not to overwater it. Is this normal or is it beyond saving?” Gardening gurus in the group reassured the individual by affirming that the orchid was indeed salvageable.
A green-fingered guru shared their success secret – immersing the orchid in water might just do the trick.
Despite some orchid lovers finding watering a source of stress, fearing that getting it wrong may deter them from tending these tropical treasures, April Wright chimed in with her go-to method.
She said: “My orchid lives in water on the windowsill so it can take a lot of water and constantly bloom.”
Nevertheless, Marco Spadaro, another gardening fan in the thread, disputed this method, cautioning against long-term submersion.
He said: “Orchids don’t like constant water. Half a cup once a week is plenty. If you leave orchids in water for days the roots will rot and become full of water.”
Marco stated: “Whilst some studies suggest it’s doable and they like it. The roots still need access to oxygen and light. So I’m unsure how reliable it is keeping orchids submerged.”
April disagreed, posting a photo of her thriving submerged orchid and stating: “No idea but as you can see it’s been living like this for a year now very healthy plant.”
Marco insisted that the roots require air and light to survive, to which April responded: “Yes, some roots aren’t submerged but the roots are quite healthy and it’s been constantly blooming for a year – but thanks for that information.”
Marco found April’s results “very impressive” but reiterated the importance of root aeration.
