Can You Save a Rootless Orchid? These Methods May Help

You don’t need to be a novice gardener to have a hard time taking care of orchids. Maybe you’ve been watering yours with ice or you’re just not sure how to get your orchid the best care it needs to thrive. Most grocery store or gifted orchids die soon after they bloom—they’re just difficult to care for.

In reality, orchids can live for up to 20 years. They’re impressive plants in the right conditions. If you have a rootless orchid you’re attached to and want to revive, it is possible for you to save it.

Having an orchid with some roots—even if the majority of them are gone—can still survive without the use of these methods. If your orchid has even one healthy root left, you may want to try continuing to water it regularly and see if it produces new growth. 

When to Try Saving Your Orchid

Orchids lose their roots most often due to root rot. Most orchid experts advise waiting until you’re completely certain a root is dead before attempting to remove it. Wilting orchid roots can still recover once given enough time; you may consider switching your watering schedule or potting medium if you notice your roots are looking unhealthy.

Removing all of your orchid’s roots will leave you with no alternatives aside from trying these methods, which could make your orchid more difficult to save.

If you’re not sure whether your orchid’s roots are dead, you can leave them on while trying these methods. Existing roots won’t be damaged by these techniques. If you notice a root is beginning to rot or grow mold, remove it immediately so as to avoid damaging the plant.

If your orchid has full, healthy, darker green leaves, your chances of success using these methods will be higher. Your orchid can store resources for a while, and if it has enough resources to maintain its leaves, it likely has enough to push out new roots, too—it just needs a little encouragement.

Orchids with discolored, wrinkly leaves may have a difficult time being revived – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a try.

Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!

Suspend the Orchid Above Water

The first option for reviving a rootless orchid is to suspend it using its leaves over a glass or bowl of water. The water should be close to but not touching the base of the orchid; no part of the orchid should be in the water. 

This method attempts to give the orchid as much humidity as possible via the glass of water. As the water evaporates, the air around the orchid will become humid. This can help encourage your orchid to produce new roots. It’s especially handy for orchids that have absolutely no roots left on their base, because suspending them above the water will be much easier.

You can supplement the glass of water by lightly misting your orchid with lukewarm water daily. Make sure the water in the glass is topped up frequently. 

Sphag-n-Bag Method

The “sphag-n-bag” method is commonly known as the last resort for orchids with no roots. It’s difficult to pull off, but it has been used to successfully resuscitate orchids that have no surviving roots left.

This technique got its name from the fact that the only two items you’ll need are sphagnum moss and a plastic bag (preferably a resealable one). Remove your dying orchid from its potting medium and ensure that there is no soil attached to the orchid or the moss you’re using.

Thoroughly soak the moss in water and place it in one corner of the bag. Then, place your orchid in the other corner. Make sure the two don’t touch each other. Close the bag and place it in a mildly sunny spot. 

The idea behind this method is that the wet moss and closed environment will create as much humidity as possible for the orchid to absorb. When an orchid has no roots to absorb water through, it needs a moist and humid environment to encourage new growth. If your orchid has no roots left, the sphag-n-bag method is your best bet for success.

Keep a close eye on your bagged orchid to make sure it’s not growing mold. Your orchid should start to produce new roots within a few weeks (it also may pop out a few new leaves). Once your orchid’s roots are stable enough to be watered, you can move it back into a pot and water it thoroughly.