If you find that your orchid has bad roots, snip them off with a sterilized cutting tool and then repot it. On the other hand, if the part of the orchid that connects the leaves and the roots is mushy, it is time to toss the plant.
In the wild, orchids are able to live about 20 years, depending on the type of orchid and the environment. Potted orchids do not have quite the same life span, but with proper care, it is not usual for orchids to live for between 10 to 15 years.
After the flowers drop from the orchid you have three choices: leave the flower spike (or stem) intact, cut it back to a node, or remove it entirely. Remove the flower spike entirely by clipping it off at the base of the plant. This is definitely the route to take if the existing stem starts to turn brown or yellow.
The main signs that your plant could be dead are if you see mushy roots or yellow leaves that are faded or blotchy. In addition, if you notice dropped leaves and it is not as evergreen as always, it is also a sign that your plant is dying.
Of all of the more commonly available orchids, only Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) will re-bloom from its old spike. Phalaenopsis will generally re-bloom given a little extra care.
Orchids work in cycle between growing new leaves and new roots to new blooms. And without it having current leaves, a new leaf cannot grow because leaves grow from the middle of existing leaves. Without leaves it can not produce new leaves, new roots, and thus new blooms.
Orchids will bloom again after the last flower has wilted.
However, you need to remove the entire spike if it has turned yellow or brown.
Overwatered orchids will have leaves that look limp or sometimes leathery depending on the species. The existing leaves may begin turning yellow, and new leaves may look pleated. Usually a change in the leaves is the most visible warning sign that orchids give.
[Learn more about the orchid lifecycle]
All of this is normal. Your orchid is not dead! The plant is simply going through a natural period in its life cycle called dormancy. This dormant stage allows your orchid to rest and renew its energy before blooming again into a profusion of gorgeous new blossoms.
To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We've had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren't as warm.
Orchids will grow new stems, fortunately. You can propagate a new Phalaenopsis or Vanda orchids from stem cuttings. Or you can divide a cattleya's rhizomes. You can also expect a flower spike to grow back after cutting it down when its blooms die.
Your orchid has tightly tangled roots.
This is a surefire sign your orchid needs to be repotted. Give plants breathing room by placing it in a larger pot every year or two with fresh potting soil.
Typically, orchids live for 20-25 years if grown indoors, though the life span of an orchid plant surely depends on how attentive its grower is and how well it's cared for.
Overall, the most common reason that orchids fail to bloom is insufficient light. The Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum orchids are usually happy with the filtered light in a windowsill but many other varieties need more light than that.
Orchids that have developed black or brown rotten spots on their leaves should be pruned, says Rogers. "It is best to remove them, because these conditions can spread and eventually kill your orchid," he says. Using sterilized scissors, cut out any rotten and discolored spots you see.
Unlike most houseplants, you don't need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot. You can also water your orchid like a traditional houseplant – just apply a splash of water to the moss once every seven to 10 days.
This dormancy stage usually lasts about six to nine months. After that, your orchid will have the energy to rebloom again. However, sometimes orchids need help with this process and require even more attention than they did before. With the right amount of tender love and care, you can get your orchid to rebloom.
CONTINUE TO ROUTINELY WATER YOUR PLANT
After your plant is done flowering, it should start to grow a new leaf, so just because flowering is finished, doesn't mean that your plant is finished.
Your orchid's flowers are likely falling off because the plant is finished blooming. The orchid is about to enter a hibernation period where it will rest before blooming again. Other reasons for flowers dropping include overwatering, underwatering, lack of sunlight, and too much sun.
It's normal for an orchid to lose its old leaves, especially after it moves froma commercial greenhouse with very humid air to the extremely dry air of the average home in winter. Also, as new leaves appear in spring, the plant often loses a corresponding number of old leaves.
There's no harm in leaving yellowing leaves on your orchid. Eventually, the leaf will simply shrivel up and drop from the plant. Often, a new leaf will take its place. If you do choose to trim yellow leaves from your orchid, be sure to do so with a pair of sharp, sterile shears.
You should remove these roots before returning your plant to its pot. With your sanitized shears, trim dead roots about an inch above the point where they have begun to die. This trimming gives the plant a chance to regrow healthier roots once replanted. Dead orchid roots might appear in a few different ways.