Orchid expert shares 'huge secret lots of people who begin orchid care do not know'

Inside King Charles' garden at Highgrove as Alan Titchmarsh visits
Gardeners' World
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 04/02/2025

- 19:11

Updated: 04/02/2025

- 21:46

Gardeners are mistakingly throwing their orchids away when they are still alive

A gardener has shared a common misconception people make with their orchids, mistakingly thinking they are dying when they are still alive.

Gardener, Carmen Grant explained on YouTube that orchids are alive and breathing even if their leaves have fallen off.


"This is a huge secret that lots of people who begin orchid care do not know. If the leaves on your orchid start to fall, your orchid is still alive. Do not throw away your orchids if all the blooms have fallen off," said the gardener.

She explained three watering techniques individuals can follow which can help orchids grow back their blooms.

orchids

The YouTuber said to make sure people do not water the crown of their orchids

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Rather than watering from the top like a houseplant, Carmen said to water the orchid very closely from the bottom.

She advised: "Take the orchid and keep it close to the bottom. Water right next to the rim of the pot. This way you do not get water in the crown. If you get water there, your orchid is going to die. It will rot out."

"Try not to overwater your orchids too. I water my orchids only once a month. It's best to underwater because if you overwater, you will kill the roots."

If water does incidentally drip onto the crown, try to use a paper towel and gently remove the moisture.

The second technique people can try is giving orchids a soak in a pot full of water for about 20 to 30 minutes.

"Fill the pot halfway with water and soak the orchid. Make sure you place it in nice and easy. You need to make sure that the water does not overflow into the orchid," explained the expert.

"Remember, you want to protect the little crown as much as possible because that is where all the roots are attached."

Carmen said that she believes this technique is one of the most effective methods for looking after orchids but only to do it once a month to avoid overwatering.

Orchids stock image

Giving orchids a good soak can help keep them healthy and vibrant

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Using a spray on the medium of the orchid can also be very beneficial.

Carmen said: "When I spray my orchids, I spray the medium and I try not to spray the roots of the plant. Spray inside the pot and try to get it inside the bark.

"Do around two or three sprays and that will feed your orchid for a couple of months."

Gardeners have also been told how hot drinks can make houseplants feel "healthy and vibrant."

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