Today I have three orchids whose flowers are fading. I bought them very cheaply, as orchids with fading blooms are often sold at reduced prices in markets. In this article, I’ll explain how to properly repot these orchids in fresh soil and give important care tips to ensure they thrive.

Step 1: Disinfecting the orchids with turmeric powder

Before repotting, I disinfect the orchids with turmeric powder and provide them with essential vitamins. Turmeric is particularly helpful in regenerating diseased orchid roots. To make the turmeric solution, I put about a teaspoon of turmeric powder into a glass. Then I pour 200 ml of boiling water over it and stir the mixture well. I let it cool for about 30 minutes in a cool place before applying it to the orchids.

Step 2: Removing the old soil and pruning the orchid stems

While the turmeric mixture cools, I prepare the orchids by removing them from their pots. I remove the protective covers and carefully prune the stems. It’s important to cut off stems whose flowers have completely fallen off, especially if they’ve turned yellow. A cut at the base encourages new growth.

Upon examining the top layer of soil, I noticed that it was slightly moldy, which often indicates overwatering. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in orchid care, so it’s important not to leave orchids standing in water for extended periods.

Step 3: Filtering the turmeric solution

Once the turmeric mixture has cooled, I strain it to remove any sediment at the bottom. This step is important because any remaining sediment could become lodged in the orchid roots and potentially cause problems. Instead of discarding the remaining sediment, you can dilute it with water and use it as a natural fertilizer.

To make the turmeric solution suitable for orchid care, I dilute it further by adding 800 ml of water to the strained turmeric juice, resulting in a total of 1 liter of fertilizer.

Step 4: Disinfecting the orchids

I place the orchids in a large bowl and begin the disinfection process. First, I dip the leaves into the turmeric solution for about 10 seconds and repeat this process three times to ensure thorough absorption. This step helps to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be present on the leaves.

Next, I dip the roots into the turmeric solution and gently turn them over so they can absorb it completely. The orchids remain in this mixture for about 30 minutes. This method is very effective in eliminating any diseases or pests on the roots while simultaneously providing them with additional nourishment.

Step 5: Repotting orchids

After disinfecting the orchids, I prepare them for repotting. Choosing the right soil and pot is crucial for healthy orchid growth. I opt for a transparent pot, as this allows sunlight to reach the roots and thus promotes their development.

I use washed pine bark as a substrate, which is excellent for orchids because it provides good aeration and drainage. To further improve drainage, I place pebbles at the bottom of the pot. Alternatively, you can also use expanded clay pebbles.

Next, I spread the pine bark evenly in the pot, making sure the orchid roots are well covered, but that the base of the root remains slightly raised. This prevents too much water from accumulating at the base of the root, which could lead to root rot. By positioning the roots towards the edge of the pot, I can better monitor their moisture level.

Step 6: Clean the orchid leaves with lemon juice

To keep my orchids even healthier, I clean the leaves with a natural disinfectant. I add five drops of lemon juice to a little water and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Then I gently wipe each leaf to remove dust and any bacteria, resulting in a healthier and shinier appearance.

Step 7: Proper care after repotting

Now that the orchids are properly potted, they need a location with plenty of natural light. A bright windowsill is ideal for their growth.

Watering should be done according to root color. If the roots are white, the orchid needs water. If they are green, watering is not necessary. Waterlogging should be strictly avoided to prevent root rot. Additionally, liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month to promote healthy growth.

Concluding remarks

I have successfully planted and cared for several orchids using these methods, and they have improved remarkably over time. If you follow these steps, your orchids can grow strong, develop new roots, and eventually bloom beautifully.

If this guide has helped you, I would be very happy if you liked and subscribed to my channel. Stay tuned for more updates on the growth of my orchids!