How to revive an orchid plant: 4 ways to help your flower thrive again

Orchids are known for being a little challenging to keep happy, so it's not uncommon to find the plant struggling or starting to wither. But does your orchid have a second chance even when it looks like it's gone for good?

Learning how to care for indoor orchids is not an easy feat; they can be quite sensitive to external factors like sun or humidity, and they're a little different to other houseplants. So if you've been wondering why your orchid's leaves have been turning yellow or questioning your capabilities as a plant parent, chances are you're not alone.

The good news is that even when your orchid looks like it's on its last legs, there's hope for it yet. And we spoke to floral experts to find out what you can do to give your plant a new lease of life.

 How to revive an orchid plant: expert tips

Even when you've mastered how often to water your orchid amongst its other care needs, it can suddenly take a turn, leaving you confused and panicked.

“If your orchid is having trouble blooming, there are several things you can try. First, check your orchid’s location; they love sunlight, so try positioning it in a brighter part of the home, such as near an east- or south-facing window, while avoiding any harsh midday sun," says Lucy Hook, plant and floral lead at Bloom & Wild.

“If that doesn’t do the trick, try repotting it. Orchid compost breaks down over time, reducing airflow around the roots, so fresh bark-based compost can often give the plant a much-needed boost," she adds.

You may have heard about the rice water hack for feeding orchids; this is best avoided as it can do more damage than good.

It might also be time to learn how to repot your orchid, but this depends on how the roots of your plant are looking.

“It's also worth checking the roots before assuming the plant is dying. Healthy orchid roots are usually firm and green or silvery, while brown, soft roots should be carefully trimmed away with sterilised scissors before repotting," continues Lucy.

And whilst there are a few things you should never do when caring for an orchid, Lucy points out that overwatering is a particularly common issue.

"One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to revive an orchid is watering it more frequently. In many cases, overwatering is what caused the problem in the first place. Allow the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings and always make sure excess water can drain away," she continues.

How to know if an orchid is completely dead?

Should you be looking after your orchid after it's bloomed, you may be thinking that means it's dead. However, that's not the case.

“When an orchid is between flowering periods, it's easy to mistake it for being dead, as the stem will fade to brown and dry out. The gap between their flowers blooming can last as long as months, as they focus on growing their roots and leaves instead," Lucy explains.

“An easy way to check if an orchid is just taking a break from flowering is to examine the roots and crown of the plant. If the crown (where the leaves sprout from) or roots have turned dark and mushy, it’s a sign that the orchid may be past the point of saving," she says.

It's these roots that keep orchids firmly on the list of the hardest houseplants to keep alive, as they're sensitive and open to elements.

Do orchids come back after they die?

As one of the best flowering houseplants, it's a sad sight to see your orchid dying, which is why we often hope for some resurrection.

"Orchids do not truly die between blooms; they rest. What most people interpret as a dying orchid is simply a plant that has finished its flowering cycle and entered dormancy," says Brent Pickrell, President of Westmount Florist.

"The leaves may look a little less vibrant, and the spike will dry out, but the plant is very much alive. With the right care, indirect light, a cool drop in temperature at night, and watering only when the bark is dry, orchids will reliably rebloom, often for many years. Most people give up on an orchid just as it is preparing to flower again," he adds.

What does baking soda do for orchids?

Whilst there are so many ways to clean with baking soda in your home, it can also be a pretty nifty way to help your orchid fight off fungal diseases.

“Baking soda, in very small doses, can be beneficial to the leaves of an orchid, as it can prevent mild fungal issues from taking place. This is only the case if it is heavily diluted with 1 litre of water before delicately applying it to the leaves of the plant," says Lucy.

“Baking soda can alter the pH on the leaf surface and, if mixed too strongly or used too often, may damage the plant and create more problems than it solves,” she explains. "Good airflow, careful watering and avoiding wet leaves overnight are often far more effective ways to prevent fungal issues in the first place than relying on home remedies."

There are actually a few ways you can use baking soda in your garden too; its anti-fungal properties can help more than just your orchids.

Learning how to take care of indoor plants can include a lot of reviving them and being able to spot what exactly is going wrong and causing them to wither or yellow.