Is there a plant more elegant and enchanting than the orchid? Everything about these plants makes us want more and more of them in our collections.
OK, not everything. Orchids can be true drama queens when it comes to care requirements. Even the slightest change in the surrounding environment may have an adverse effect on its health.
One of the examples is a perishing orchid; drooping and an unhealthy appearance will make every grower sad and helpless.
Well, don’t lose hope! I’ll show you the coconut hack that can save your perishing orchid! You’ll also see some pro tips that will help you avoid issues with these plants.
Let’s get started!
Coconut Hack Revealed
Coconut trees are versatile species and there’s at least one usage for every plant part. For our beloved orchids, the coconut husk and shell are the most important.
You’ll need to repot your orchid if it displays drooping and starts dying off. And this is where the coconut shell steps in.
As with regular repotting, you’ll first need to carefully remove your orchid from its original container.
Then, you should loosen the soil around the root system until all roots are fully visible. The most common cause of a dying orchid is root rot, so you should inspect the root system for this disease.
If you notice any discolored and mushy roots, cut them off using a sterilized pair of scissors or pruners.
Now it’s time to prepare the new ‘container’. Take a handful of coconut husks and add them to the coconut shell. You can also wrap each root with a husk and then put the plant in the new growing medium.
This type of container and growing medium are pretty loose so make sure to secure your orchid with copper wire.
You can ensure additional security by attaching the plant, along with a coconut shell container, to a tree trunk or branches.
Why Use Coconut Shells As Containers?
Porosity and moisture retention are the main requirements of orchids when it comes to growing containers. This is exactly what coconut husks and shells offer.
As mentioned, orchid plants are highly susceptible to root rot, so our main goal is to prevent waterlogging in the soil and provide adequate drainage. The coconut husk will help us reach this goal.
Coconut shells will actually protect the roots and your orchids will grow healthily and thrive.
Tips For Keeping Orchids Happy And Healthy
Your journey doesn’t end with saving a perishing orchid. All conditions need to be adjusted so that this problem never occurs again.
Watering may be the trickiest part of orchid care and the easiest way to avoid issues is to irrigate when the upper third of the soil dries out.
You shouldn’t skip feeding these plants because it encourages new growth and blooming. All-purpose fertilizers can’t be used for orchids; to save yourself from trouble, purchase a fertilizer made specifically for orchids.
Apply fertilizer following the instructions on the label and feed only during the growing season.
Never allow harsh sun rays to reach your orchids; place them in bright indirect light for best results.
Finally, ensure good air circulation around your orchids because these plants are sensitive to stagnant air and fungal diseases, or mold could set in.
The combination of the coconut hack and our care tips will not only save your perishing orchid, but the plant will also flourish as never before!