What is causing the stickiness on the leaves of one of my orchids? Other plants do not have it. I fertilize and treat with orchid probiotics according to directions.
The sticky substance is honeydew. It is caused by an insect issue.
Treat the plant with Neem Oil
Here is a few links.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-honeydew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I just bought an orchid, got it home and found out there is no drainage holes in the container. Can I repot it now in an orchid mixture in a pot with drainage holes? Thanks
Yes, your Orchid pot should have drainage holes.
Here are some articles that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-planting-mediums.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/repotting-orchid-plants.htm
I've had my orchid for about a month (maybe 6 weeks). It was blooming profusely and had buds all along its stem. But suddenly it lost everything. The leaves are still beautiful and green with no browning, no bugs. But the plant is a stick. It's not dead yet, so I think I still have time to save it. I watered it every Sunday, and let it sit in front of the kitchen window for bright light. That's an area that gets bright western light. The plant normally sits in the dining room. It doesn't get direct sunlight, but gets good light all day. Should I assume it's gone dormant? I don't have any other houseplants. My last plant lasted 17 years and the little gnats finally drove me to get rid of it, as it had become so sickly. I live in Chino Valley, AZ (86323). This is not a great growing area for anything. I'm hoping I haven't killed this orchid.
All Orchids will need a rest period after blooming.
These articles will help you care for your plant now and how to encourage more flowering.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/make-orchid-bloom.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/orchid-planting-mediums.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/how-to-prune-an-orchid.htm
I saw orchids being sold in clear tubes with no soil. Instructions were to water and let set for 30 minutes then drain off excess water. Water this way one to two times a week. I have two orchids, not sure what they are, and wondered if this would be a better way to grow them. I have had them about six months and they are putting on leaves but not flowers. I have lost one already and don't want to lose any more. Any help would be great. Thanks
Water culture of Orchids is possible.
http://www.usapatriotsamerica.com/culture/water.htm
I am old school and do recommend regular Orchid medium, but if you have multiple Orchids, you could sure try both methods!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
If all the roots are dead on your Orchid or if the root is broke and just barely staying on the stem, can you cut all the roots off and start over?
Roots are necessary for your Orchid to survive.
Healthy roots should be green or light colored or even silvery.
Rotten roots are dark, soft and mushy. These can be trimmed away with clean sterile tools.
If no roots remain, the orchid will not likely survive.
Here are some articles with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/repotting-orchid-plants.htm
My orchid flowers, which have been in bloom for weeks, have started to drop off. Should I cut back the stem or leave it? Do I continue to water?
You may want to wait till fall to do major pruning of that kind. Decrease watering for the remainder of the summer as long as there are no additional buds getting ready to bloom. Cut back on watering altogether once the plant is dormant.
This article may help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/how-to-prune-an-orchid.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/indoor-orchid-care.htm
I have owned 5 orchids all in separate pots and have had 3 of them over two years and one last Easter, and another in early May. My problem is they have all got a clear sticky mess all over their leaves. Can you help? Sheila Anniss
This is Honeydew, which is the residue from pests.
Treat your plants with Neem Oil.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-honeydew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/common-orchid-problems.htm