Shriveled orchid leaves? How to save your plant now!
Learn how to optimally care for your orchids to ensure healthy plants and stately flowers. Tips on watering and humidity!

Shriveled orchid leaves? How to save your plant now!
Orchids are not only popular houseplants, but also real gems for every home. The exotic beauty and long flowering period make them a valued choice among plant lovers. But care presents some challenges that need to be taken into account. A sure instinct is required, especially when it comes to the right watering, the optimal location and the humidity. Ruhr24 reports that shriveled leaves often indicate water problems, with orchids suffering from overwatering rather than drought.
Healthy roots are green or silvery and firm; brown, soft roots indicate rot. If the roots are rotten, you need to act quickly: the plant should be taken out of the pot immediately and the affected parts removed. Orchids are designed to absorb nutrients and water from the air through their aerial roots. Experts recommend immersing the plants in room temperature, low-lime water for 10 to 20 minutes once a week. The substrate should dry well between waterings.
Find the right humidity and the ideal location
Humidity is another crucial factor for an orchid to thrive. Many of these beauties come from humid regions, such as rainforests, and require similar conditions in our homes. A hygrometer can be useful for accurately measuring humidity. Orchideen-pflegen.de recommends that the humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Air that is too dry can not only harm plants, but can also affect the air people breathe.
There are a few simple measures you can take to increase humidity. This includes misting the plants daily, setting up bowls with wet granules or using an aquarium with moist expanded clay. In general, it is advisable to place the orchids in a shady place out of direct sunlight in summer to avoid damage. In winter, however, dry heating air can significantly reduce the humidity, which is also not good for the orchids.
Care and fertilization of orchids
When fertilizing, it is important to use special orchid fertilizers - because most conventional fertilizers are unsuitable for these plants. Regular fertilization is recommended during the growth phase from spring to autumn, every three to four weeks. Many orchids bloom in winter and spring, so it is advisable to repot after blooming in spring or fall. Plantworks.de states that the optimal planting time is at any time, using special, coarse-grained substrates to optimally aerate the roots.
The most popular orchid species include the Phalaenopsis, which has long flowering times and is easy to care for, and the Cattleya with its large, fragrant flowers. Dendrobium and Vanda are also popular varieties, but they require higher humidity.
In summary: With a good hand in care and the necessary knowledge about humidity, fertilization and location, orchids become blooming highlights in every room. The time and effort invested in caring for them is quickly rewarded with colorful blooms and an elegant presence.