What are critical mistakes to avoid with orchids?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Preventing common errors with orchids can keep your plants from declining in the first place. Many orchid enthusiasts repeat mistakes they learned from other houseplants or gardening. I have helped thousands of orchids decline due to avoidable problems (excluding the plants I encountered in the sales room). Now that you are aware of the mistakes people make, you can avoid these serious beginner mistakes. Healthy orchids normally have substantial roots and vibrant leaves when properly taken care of.
Potting Mistakes
- Never use standard potting soil causing root suffocation
- Avoid oversized containers retaining excess moisture
- Repot immediately if media breaks down or compacts
- Always choose containers with multiple drainage holes
Watering Errors
- Rigid schedules ignore actual moisture needs
- Ice cubes cause cold shock damaging roots
- Overwatering leads to fatal root rot conditions
- Water standing in crown invites bacterial infections
Environmental Hazards
- Direct southern sun scorches leaves irreversibly
- Drafts from vents create deadly temperature swings
- Low humidity causes bud drop and dehydration
- Proximity to ripening fruit triggers premature wilting
Misuse of nutrition can be very damaging to orchids. Adding fertilizer to dry roots can lead to chemical burns. Using full-strength formulas as a monthly default can create toxic salt levels. I use fresh water to flush the pots every three months to prevent them from becoming problematic. Yellow leaf tips are an indicator of an immediate flush being necessary.
Early warning signs cannot be ignored without creating a more significant problem. Yellowing leaves indicate an issue with their roots that requires immediate investigation. Wrinkled leaves suggest that you need to adjust your watering schedule. My protocol for rescue involves isolating and repotting the problematic issue. They need to be promptly addressed to have any hope of saving the orchid.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Tips on How to Care for Orchids
