Important Update for My Followers
Before we begin, I would like to remind you to turn on subtitles while watching my videos. Select subtitles in your native language to enhance your understanding. Additionally, my videos now offer an English audio listening feature. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
-
- Click on the settings icon in the lower right corner.
- Select “Audio Track.”
- Choose “English voice-over” instead of the original Turkish audio. This way, you can listen to the video with English narration and follow along more easily.
Preparing Fertilizer to Revive Orchids
To revive orchids with softened leaves, I will prepare a simple yet powerful homemade fertilizer. The key ingredient is granulated sugar, which is one of the best methods to restore orchids. Here’s what you need:
-
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of instant dry yeast
- Boiling water (or hot water)
Instructions:
-
- Pour boiling water over the granulated sugar and yeast to dissolve them quickly.
- Stir the mixture well. The granulated sugar accelerates the activation of the yeast, releasing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Use 1 liter of water for this fertilizer. If you need more, you can double the quantity to 2 liters.
- Strain the yeast mixture to remove solid particles.
Benefits of This Fertilizer
Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are essential for plant growth, and these elements in dry yeast quickly mix with the soil. They promote root development and protect orchids from diseases, ensuring stronger and healthier plants. To maximize its benefits, we will use this fertilizer in three different ways.
Method 1: Reviving Softened Orchid Leaves
Orchids soften their leaves mainly due to root rot or excessive watering. To revive these orchids:
-
- Provide fertilizer support and plenty of light.
- Spray the yeast fertilizer onto the orchid’s leaves.
- If the orchid is weak, cut off the flower branches so the plant can focus its energy on regenerating leaves and roots.
- After spraying, use a cotton ball to wipe the undersides of the leaves to ensure better absorption.
Method 2: Strengthening the Orchid’s Roots
This yeast fertilizer is also beneficial for root health. To strengthen the roots:
-
- Use approximately 8 tablespoons of the yeast mixture.
- Apply the fertilizer once a month—do not overuse it, as excessive fertilization can harm the plant.
- Open a window or place the orchid on a balcony after applying the fertilizer. This helps the water dry off quickly and prevents mold or fungal infections.
Observing the Orchid’s Progress
Regularly monitor the orchid’s development after applying the fertilizer. You will notice that the leaves regain their firmness, and the plant begins to thrive again.
Method 3: Treating an Orchid with Completely Rotted Roots
If your orchid’s roots have completely rotted, you can still save it. Follow these steps:
-
- Remove the orchid from its pot and soil.
- Examine the roots. If they feel like soft wires and fall apart when pulled, they are completely rotten.
- Cut off all the dead roots and clean the trunk of the orchid thoroughly.
- Check for spongy material around the roots—this retains excess water and accelerates rot. Remove it completely.
Disinfecting the Orchid
Once the orchid is clean, it must be disinfected to prevent further damage.
-
- Wash the remaining parts of the orchid under running water.
- Prepare fermented water and immerse the orchid’s leaves and trunk in it.
- Keep the orchid in this solution for one hour to ensure it is thoroughly disinfected.
- After an hour, remove the orchid and let it dry completely.
- Place the dried orchid in a cool, shaded place for another hour.
Final Step: Restoring the Orchid
Once the orchid is dry and disinfected:
-
- Cover the exposed part of the trunk with stretch film. This helps retain moisture and encourages new root growth.
- Keep the orchid in a warm, well-lit area but away from direct sunlight.
- Continue to monitor its progress and provide water and fertilizer as needed.
Preventing Future Orchid Problems
To ensure your orchid remains healthy, follow these tips:
-
- Water only when necessary. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot.
- Always check the leaves and roots for signs of disease or pests.
- Place orchids in a bright location but avoid excessive direct sunlight.
- Use the yeast fertilizer once a month to maintain optimal growth.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully revive orchids with softened or yellowing leaves. Even if the roots are completely rotted, proper care and treatment can help the plant recover. Remember, orchids are resilient plants that thrive when given the right conditions. With patience and attention, your orchids will return to full bloom and beauty.
