Top 7 Ways to Clean Orchid Leaves That Actually Work

[@elbeem20001]

Yet again ... I have been educated!! I think I'll opt for the 2 easiest: mayo or baby shampoo!! You had me to run outside to see if my phal leaves had any "marks" on them ... No! They are pristine clean! No marks of any kind. Thanks again. I have saved your video for future reference. Thanks for this.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Lyn! Being outside, your orchids will get rain water which is the best. It doesn't have all the excess minerals that tap water does. That's the good part of keeping orchids outdoors. :)

[@TheErvdoggie]

Great tips!! Thanks for sharing the helpful tips for leaf cleaning, especially infestations to be mindful of. Much appreciated! 😄

[@prestonnorris9822]

I remember reading about using mayonnaise to clean plant leaves back in the 70s...so that didn't weird me out 😄

[@Orchideria]

Hi Preston, Thank you so much for mentioning this! I get quite a lot of unpleasantness because of the mayonnaise tip and it's good to hear that a few people also share my opinion. :) I appreciate your comment.

[@ajnthejuice593]

Thank you for your videos. I have around 40 Cymbidiums and few others and have been growing them for many years. And it’s hard to find videos that deal with strictly Cymbidiums. I have watched them all. But the way that you explain different topics can be applied to other orchids.(or other plants for that matter) But I am always up for learning new things. It is amazing that some people post things that are completely wrong. Even seasoned growers. Your videos have added to what I already have learned through my experience. I am always open to hear other views on different topics. There is always room to learn. Plus you make it entertaining too. Thank you.

[@Orchideria]

Hi ajnthejuice, Thank you for your comment. I'm both humbled and honored!! I appreciate it.

[@ajnthejuice593]

Hi Amanda, I’ve sent you a couple of emails. I hope that they didn’t get sent to your spam folder.

[@Orchideria]

Hi AjntheJuice, I'll check my spam folder and see if they are there. I just realized I don't know your name to see who you are. In any case, have 2 unread messages, and I'll answer them this morning. If it wasn't answered by this afternoon, then you can write to me at [e-mail] directly.

[@shajanedward]

I like your vedio very much, Explained well. Thankyou very much.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Edward, Thank you! I appreciate it!

[@carolynfrazier9121]

Love your videos! Have been growing orchids for 15 years and learning so much from you. Your videos are very concise and easy to understand. Keep doing what you do! Would love to know your background and what are your growing conditions.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Carolyn, Wow! I'm humbled! Thank you for your comment. There is a little excerpt about me on the orchideria.com page called "about me". It's not much, as I am still learning as I go.

[@BorisG13]

Thanks for the video! I always wondered what else other than water I could use to clean their leaves but kept forgetting to look it up. Also your cat is adorable 🥰

[@Orchideria]

Thank you!

[@emilyprays9802]

Great video! Since the 70’s I’ve used mayonnaise on many various plant leaves. People always ask how do I get such with beautiful shiny leaves? Besides using filtered water, a bright light location or grow lights (as needed), and fertilizer, I periodically, clean the leaves with mayonnaise 😁👍👍

[@elizabethconroy7665]

Adore Orchids Have a large collection Thanks for the information

[@Orchideria]

Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for watching my video. I appreciate it. I'm glad it helped.

[@iant.gilchrist4264]

Hello Amanda, ani you for another video with great information.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Ian, I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching! :)

[@EvaHausmann]

Thanks for awesome content! What about using banana peels to wipe your orchid leaves? I did watch your talk against using banana peels as nutrient so I guess using them as cleaning wipes is also a big no-no?

[@DollinMawahlal]

Your video is very informative.

[@zabeedasundar5973]

Very good information, easy to understand. Question.. i hear about using aloe to clean the leaves.. is that a good option?

[@sajeevimahanaga1168]

Thank you very much Amanda another great video and thank you I so midnight in there 🥰

[@Orchideria]

Hi Sajeevi, Thank you for watching! :)

[@sajeevimahanaga1168]

@@Orchideria I really like it I'm learning a lot

[@fantastica1652]

I just love your videos. Very, very educational.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Fantástica, Thank you. I appreciate it! Your words mean a lot.

[@MrBigkilla]

I ❤ how it seemed like you were gonna apologize to the Orchid for accidentally hitting it...😊. I do that and talk to them all the time...😂

[@josejkoonthanam]

Valuable information. Congrats.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Jose, Thank you for commenting. :)

[@elizabethconroy7665]

New Subscriber here from Amman Jordan The Middle East

[@Orchideria]

Hi Elizabeth, Oh wow, Jordan! That's amazing! Welcome and thanks for subscribing.

[@ryecatcher1670]

Thank you for the information 🙏 Just what I needed. Living by the coast the rainwater isn't suitable. Can I water with spring water?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Rye Catcher, That's a hard one to answer. I lived by a natural spring and used that water in Brazil all the time for my orchids. When I moved to the USA, I tried bottled natural spring water and it wasn't the same thing. The pH was was totally off. Spirng water will have more limestone and calcium with magnesium but it might be a tad bit too much. Now I usually say stay away from spring water. Distilled is better.

[@epenesajennings4725]

I use rain water with crushed filtered garlic. Works well.

[@anindyamallik]

Awesome information, thank you very much for sharing! 😀

[@Orchideria]

Hi Anindya, Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it.

[@aniskalick5607]

Thanks for the info God bless you fantastic idea bye

[@Orchideria]

Hi Anis, Thank you! And may God bless you too. 🙏

[@vibeau1344]

Thank you for the info!

[@splilya]

Thank you so much! So useful information.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Liliya, Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

[@anindyamallik]

When fertlizing orchids, what will be the best type of water? I use RO water, do I need to use any other kind of water? Please let me know.

[@Orchideria]

I use distilled water with added fertilizer. Other people use RO and have awesome results. The only water I would stay away from is tap, but that depends a lot on your region and water quality. Where I live, the pH is pretty high, so I can't use it.

[@cheranhunter9277]

I like and love your video all the best dear

[@Orchideria]

Hi Cheran Hunter, Thank you!

[@valeriamas4141]

I LOVE your videos. Thank you so much for sharing all this amazing knowledge. :-)

[@Orchideria]

Hi Valeria, Thank you!

[@adritakar1727]

Hi Amanda! A very useful video। It would help me out a ton if you make a video on oncidium intergenerics like how different is the care from one to another । Say if one requires more humidity, other requires more light, etc etc

[@Orchideria]

Hi Adrita, Absolutely! I'll add it to my list of videos to make. Thank you for commenting.

[@CheeryOrchids]

Very informative and helpful video🤗

[@Orchideria]

Hi Cheery Orchids, Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

[@lilliethwilliams4519]

Very informative.

[@Orchideria]

HI Lillieth, Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

[@subhabratadeb8806]

I shall add one more method for Phalenopsis orchids. I also use 5% to 10% ethanol and works very well. Thanks.

[@subhabratadeb8806]

I am Bichitra Birjya Mondal and have posted previous comment from my sister's mobile.

[@stephaniesuarez1848]

Hi Amanda, just wondering if I use diluted lemon to clean my orchid at night,can my orchid go back to indirect sunlight during the day?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Stephanie, It's usually recommended 24 hours, but it's not guaranteed. If you plan to place them back in the sun, I would try another method.

[@desertroseJAXX]

Hi Amanda. Love your very informative videos. Is it ok to also use hydrogen peroxide to clean the orchid leaves?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Geri, Yes! On the roots it isn't advisable, but for the leaves, it works well. It's really great for removing insects and bugs. Thank you for watching!

[@cherylpenn4509]

Thanks a million x

[@Orchideria]

You're welcome

[@karenlittle562]

Love your videos too! Saw your orchid humidifier tray, but what about humidifiers? Have not heard you mention them?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Karen, Thank you for watching my videos. I appreciate it. I wrote an article about humidifiers but I haven't done a video about them yet. You can read it here: orchideria.com/best-humidifiers-for-orchids/ I always have my humidifier on because my home office is deathly dry. The carpet, drywall, curtains, air conditioner, heating, and everything else contribute to that dryness. So I have a humidifier on all the time. If you need one or not will depend on your climate. How humid is it where you live?

[@tawnyanderson3582]

Thank you, I have 3 of the wonderful "3 ICE CUBE a week" Orchids😢 I have rescued 3.. my husband gave me 1... fell in love with them... now when I see them in the grocery store looking sorry I have a problem.. my husband doesn't let me go shopping often 😅 2 of them are on their second bloom I am 3 years into the Orchid always loved them just thought they were too difficult... was just looking at them and noticed that the leaves look dusty... I do not use tap I use spring water.. my Gecko and orchids are spoiled they get special water😂..

[@jerrygruia785]

Hi, I have a non related question. I have an Phal that has 10 aerials. I think I should repot. My question is what do with the aerials? Leave as is? Cut? Plant inside the pot? Gracias, for your help!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Jerry! How are you? About the aerial roots, if you can, leave them on the outside of the pot. That would be the best. They are used to being in no kind of potting medium whatsoever and won't adapt as well changing environments once fully formed. If the root is just starting, you can place it inside the potting medium, forcing it to grow down in the pot. Older roots don't like that as much, and tend to die quicker.

[@jerrygruia785]

@@Orchideria gracias

[@jillsmith423]

Can I use cleaning wipes

[@jerrygruia785]

Hi again, so in your opinion cleaning the top of a phal leaf with mayo is the best? Gracias, jerry

[@Orchideria]

Using mayo is best for pictures, but if I'm doing just a routine cleaning, then I use lemon. The mayo gives it a special shine which the camera picks up well.

[@jerrygruia785]

Just for maintaining a healthy clean leaf

[@carolesykes7955]

Hi Amanda, just a question on mayo, how do you apply it? Is it neat on something like cotton wool or diluted in something first please?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Carole, I just spread a little on a napkin or paper towel. It goes a long way, so you don't need much. It doesn't need to be diluted, just straight from the jar.

[@ikottagemtem2649]

You're good Madame full of knowledge unlike Miss orchid girl hard to understand.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Ikot, Thank you, I appreciatebyour comment. Yet, I'd prefer you didn't compare us. I've learned a lot from her. All of us have something to contribute, and all of us have tons to learn, especially me. 😊

[@gracyreid2858]

How much mayonnaise do you use to clean the leaves?

[@kimkain]

I would love to get a lomi but the cost was prohibitive for me. Very disappointed🥺

[@anitadixon7711]

What do you clean the underside of an orchid with?

[@marciabuchanan-blair776]

What can I do to make my orchids bloom

[@Orchideria]

Hi Corgie, That's a harder question to answer since there are so many factors that go into it. I'd start with a 10° drop in temperature at night. Then I'd check if there is enough sun (quantity and frequency). After that, I'd check the fertilizer. So I can't really tell you a simple answer. Try those for a few months because those are the top reasons orchids won't bloom.

[@marciabuchanan-blair776]

@@Orchideria thank you

[@theinvincible7511]

What about hydrogen peroxide..??

[@morriseenbarmore4349]

Like

[@mdisler1]

Thanks for your clear, concise videos. I just found them and love your content. One helpful hint for me is the cat is very distracting from the video. I know you have viewers who love him/her, but just distracting for me! See you soon on next video 😊

[@Orchideria]

Hi Micheal, Thank you for watching and for leaving a comment. I apprecaite it. Yeah, Midnight is always in a video werher I want her there or not... When I close the door, she meows on the other side and to edit that out is too hard. So, she stays for now.

[@davidjupiter8943]

Just leave that minerals to the cat she will clean all that stuff, just kidding 😀😀

[@hubertcrevels9843]

Not very scientific. How much lemon juice to how much water?

[@3leggedfish41]

Mayonnaise really

[@Orchideria]

LOL... yep. :)

[@3leggedfish41]

Ketchups the real deal man, i put it in my orchid the other day, it turned out to be so delicious

[@3leggedfish41]

I meant beautiful, i put ketchup on my orchid and it turned out to be beautiful

[@Orchideria]

What to do when you're being trolled by your video editor? :) LOL

[@terrystunesnance1547]

Too funny😁..lol love your vidz