Often people think because there are no flowers that an orchid is past its best. DonÂ’t worry, if the leaves are healthy then keep going. Often insufficient light causes orchids to concentrate their energy elsewhere. If the orchid has already bloomed, try pruning them.

Some loss of leaves for an orchid is natural, providing they donÂ’t all fall at once. Excessive leaf loss usually indicates that the plant is either kept too cold or is overwatered. Allow the plant to dry and remove the dead foliage.

This is orchid nectar which is created to attract insects to pollenate it. If you notice this in excess on the leaves, wipe it away with a damp cloth.

When new leaves grow from an orchid they tend to stick to one another if the atmosphere is too dry and crinkle. If you spot this, increase the humidity by misting.

Orchids commonly grow on trees with their roots exposed to a moist rainforest atmosphere so this is normal. Lots of aerial roots is a great sign that the orchid is happy in its environment. Spray these roots regularly with the misting technique to keep them green and healthy and not grey and dry.

Yellow leaves are either a sign of too much water or too little light. Check that your roots are not brown and waterlogged. If they are, hold off the water and allow the plant to dry. If your roots are healthy then try the plant in another spot to get more light. Also use the light measuring technique.