| How to Save an Orchid from Root Rot Posted: 05 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST If the leaves on your orchid are wilting and turning soft, chances are the problem is root rot. Root rot is usually caused by poor soil drainage or overwatering, although old or compacted potting medium can also be to blame. If you're just starting to notice the leaves wilting and turning yellow, you may be able to save your orchid by simply transferring it to another container. If the roots have rotted extensively, you'll need to trim away the damaged areas and change the potting medium altogether for the best chance of nurturing it back to health. [Edit]Drop-Potting for Minor Leaf Damage - Repot your orchid if the container doesn't have proper drainage. If your orchid is in a container that doesn't have drainage holes, excess water will cause the roots to rot. To fix that, transfer your orchid to a planter that does have them. This type of transfer is called drop-potting because you're literally just dropping the plant into a new pot.[1]
- In general, you should avoid repotting an orchid until after the blooms fall. However, if you suspect root rot, you must repot the plant right away in order to keep it alive.
- Sometimes orchids are potted in a thin plastic container that does have drainage holes, then this container is placed inside a decorative pot without drainage. In that case, you can just remove the plastic container and leave the orchid there until you'd normally repot it.
- If your orchid is already in a pot with good drainage and it's still developed root rot, you may be overwatering it. If that's not the problem, the potting medium may be too old. In that case, do a full re-potting with new soil.
- Select a clay pot that's about the same size as the old container. When you're choosing a new pot for your orchid, try not to get one that's much bigger than the one the plant is already in. Orchids typically bloom best when they're in a tight-fitting container. In addition, the more potting medium you use, the more water the plant will retain, increasing the risk of root rot.[2]
- Choosing a smaller container will also allow you to retain as much of the existing soil as possible, which will help avoid shocking the plant.
- Clay pots are ideal for orchids because they're porous. This helps the soil dry out faster, which can help prevent root rot.
- If you're re-using a container, soak it for about 2 hours in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. This will kill any bacteria or fungi that could contaminate your plant. Let the container dry for about 2 days before you use it so the chlorine can completely dissipate.
- Slide the entire plant gently out of the container. Turn the planter on its side and grasp the plant near the base of the stem. Then, carefully pull the plant, roots, and dirt out of the container. Try not to damage the roots any more than they already are, so don't pull sharply or try to force the orchid out of the planter.[3]
- If the plant won't come out of its container easily, try soaking the entire container in water for about 5 minutes to soften the roots. If you're still having trouble removing the orchid, you may need to break the pot.
- Transfer the orchid carefully into its new pot. Gently lower the roots—including as much of the original potting medium as possible—into the new planter. Don't pack the soil down firmly—the orchid needs plenty of airflow around the roots so they can dry out. However, if the plant is too loose in the new container, you can add more potting material around the sides of the pot.[4]
- If the new pot is deeper than the old one, add packing peanuts or a specialized orchid potting medium to the bottom of the pot before you transfer your plant.
- Wait a few days before you water the plant again. Since the whole point of drop-potting is to let the roots dry out, don't add any additional moisture to the plant right away. Give the plant 2-3 days to adjust to its new environment, then only water the plant when the top of the soil feels dry.[5]
- There's a chance that transferring your orchid will cause the existing blooms to fall off. It doesn't mean there's necessarily anything wrong if that happens—it's likely just the shock from being transferred. However, if the signs of root rot continue, you'll need to completely re-pot the plant.
- Orchids thrive best if their potting medium is changed about every 2 years. Even if you drop pot your plant, you should still re-pot it when you normally would.[6]
[Edit]Trimming Back Extensive Damage - Cut back any rotted leaves that you see. Wipe down a razor blade or sharp pruning shears with alcohol to sterilize the cutting edge. Then, carefully trim away any leaves that feel soft or that don't seem firmly connected to the stem. Make the cut as close to the stem as possible—try not to leave any rotted tissue attached to the plant. By cutting off any affected leaves, you may be able to prevent the damage from traveling up the rest of the plant.[7]
- Try to save any leaves that don't seem affected. Unfortunately, if all of the leaves have rotted or fallen off of your orchid, you may not be able to save the plant.
- If the majority of the roots are rotted, you may need to cut off the bloom, as well, since the plant won't be able to support the flower.[8]
- Remove the plant from its container. Turn the planter on its side, then grasp the orchid at the bottom of the base and carefully pull the whole plant—roots, soil, and all—out of the planter. Try not to damage the roots by pulling roughly, since the plant will need as much healthy tissue as possible in order to recover.[9]
- If the roots have outgrown the planter, it might be difficult to remove the plant. Try soaking the container in water for about 5 minutes to see if that helps loosen it. If it doesn't, you may have to break the planter to get the orchid out.
- Slice away any dead or damaged roots. Sterilize your razor blade or pruning shears again to kill any bacteria or fungi leftover from trimming the leaves. Brush away as much potting material as possible, then carefully cut away any dead or rotted places from the roots. If the entire root system is rotted, take off the whole thing.[10]
- You can tell a root is dead if it's mushy, wiry, or hollow. Live roots will be firm and white.
- If you have to cut away all of the roots from the plant, it may not survive. However, it definitely won't survive if you leave the rotted tissue, so this will give it the best chance of recovering.
- If you see any black mold on the healthy roots, wipe it away with a cotton swab.[11]
- Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide over any cuts you made. If any bacteria or fungus remains on the roots, it could continue spreading, infecting the healthy roots that are left after you trim the plant. To avoid that, pour a little hydrogen peroxide over the cuts you made on the leaves and roots, which will disinfect them. The peroxide will bubble up, which is normal.[12]
- Some gardeners prefer dipping the cut roots in cinnamon to disinfect them.[13]
- Repot the orchid in new potting medium. Once you've trimmed away the dead leaves and roots, put about of potting medium in the bottom of the new container. Lower the root ball into the pot, then loosely fill the rest of the planter with your potting soil.[14]
- Choose a potting medium designed for orchids, like a combination of bark, coconut husks, perlite, or sphagnum moss. These will allow for plenty of air flow around the roots, which will help prevent root rot in the future.[15]
- Opt for the smallest pot that your orchid will fit into, since orchids prefer to be somewhat constricted.
- It's best to use a new pot for this—the old one might have bacteria or fungus that could recontaminate the plant. You can disinfect the old planter with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water, but it needs to air out for about 2 days before you can use it again.
- Don't water the plant for at least 2-3 days. Any remaining roots need to dry out as much as possible so they can start recovering from the root rot. Give the orchid a few days to adjust to its new container before you water it at all.[16]
- It may take a while before you see any signs of recovery in your plant. Just be patient and keep caring for it the way you normally would.
[Edit]Preventing Root Rot - Wait until the orchid is dry to water it. Your orchid doesn't need to be watered every day—in fact, overwatering is one of the main causes of root rot. Every 2-3 days or so, feel the surface of the potting medium. If it feels a little moist, wait another day or so. When it's completely dry, it's time to water your orchid.[17]
- You can also insert the tip of a sharpened pencil into the pot. If the potting medium is moist, the tip of the pencil will look dark when you pull it out.[18]
- Over time, you may be able to tell when it's time to water your orchid by how heavy the plant feels when you pick it up. The drier the soil, the lighter the container will be.
- Water the orchid in the morning, then let it drain. Place the orchid in a sink, then pour room-temperature water onto the soil for about 15 seconds, or until it freely runs out of the bottom of the container. Then, leave the plant in the sink for about 15 minutes.[19]
- If you water the plant first thing in the morning, it will have all day to dry out. If you water it at night, the moisture will stay in the plant overnight, making it more susceptible to root rot.[20]
- Avoid wetting the orchid's stem and leaves. Water can pool at the base of an orchid's leaves, which can lead to crown rot. Pour the water so it goes directly onto the potting medium to help prevent this.[21]
- Crown rot is basically the same thing as root rot, but it primarily affects the leaves and stem of the plant, rather than the roots.
- If water does get onto the leaves, gently blot them dry with a paper towel.[22]
- Some people mist their orchids to create a more humid environment. If you do this, mist the air around the orchid, but don't spray water directly onto the plant.[23]
- Don't let the orchid sit in standing water. Every time you water your orchid, let the excess water drain out completely. Don't leave the orchid sitting in a saucer where water is pooled—the roots will stay soaked, and they'll quickly start to suffocate and rot.[24]
- Water your plant in the sink or somewhere else the water can drain freely, like outdoors.
- Keep your orchid in a spot with good air flow. If your orchid stays in a place with good circulation, the roots will be less likely to stay saturated. If the air around the plant is stagnant and still, water won't be able to evaporate as quickly.[25]
- Your home's regular air conditioning may be plenty, but if you need to, you can open a window or place a fan near your orchid to keep the air circulating.
- Good circulation will help prevent crown rot, as well. This is similar to root rot, but it primarily affects the leaves and stem of the plant.[26]
- Repot the orchid in new potting mix about every 2 years. Old potting mix can become acidic over time, damaging your orchid's roots and making them susceptible to rot. In addition, the potting mix will become compacted over time, preventing proper airflow around the roots. To prevent this, completely repot your orchid at least every other year, after the blooms fall.[27]
- Typically, you'll know it's time to repot your orchid when it becomes crowded in the pot or when the potting medium starts to decompose. However, some people prefer to repot them every year after the blooms fall off.[28]
- Always choose a potting mix designed for orchids. These typically contain a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, coconut husks, or bark—the larger pieces allow plenty of air to circulate around the roots.
- Trim away any dead or damaged roots each time you repot your orchid.
- To avoid buying an orchid that already has root rot, gently tug on the leaves near the base of the plant. If the leaves are soft or pull away from the stem easily, pick another plant.[29]
[Edit]References |
| How to Make PowerPoint Presentations More Interesting Posted: 05 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST If you've ever sat through a boring PowerPoint, you probably know exactly what not to do for your next presentation. PowerPoints are a great way to convey information and ideas, but if they're used incorrectly, they might not engage your audience very well. By keeping a few design and presentation tips in mind, you can make sure your PowerPoint is clear, concise, and above all, interesting. - Pick 3 ideas to talk about. Giving your audience too much information will be hard for them to absorb. Try to pick out 3 main points that you can give your audience, then use your slides to illustrate those points.[1]
- It might help to write out your speech first and then create your slides. That way, you can use your slides as a speaking aid, not as the main event.
- Try bullet points instead of walls of text. Too much text is hard for your audience to read, and it's not very engaging. Instead, stick to bullet points or small sentences so people can skim your slides quickly.[2]
- A good rule of thumb is 6 words per line, 6 lines per slide. However, you don't have to stick to that 100%.
- Use blank slides when you're speaking. It might seem counterintuitive, but adding in a few blank slides when you're talking will help the audience focus on what you're saying. Use a plain white or black slide to take a pause within your presentation.[3]
- You can also put a blank slide at the end of your presentation as you wait for questions.
- Add in a few metaphors to illustrate your point. Reading information over and over can get a little stale after a while. Instead, try putting some metaphors in your slides and then explaining them when you present.[4]
- For example, you could compare office teamwork to a beehive to illustrate the importance of working together.
- Or, you could compare learning in school to building a house to point out the need for a strong foundation.
- Include a few questions for the audience. If you gave an informational presentation, do a little pop quiz with a fun prize at the end. Or, ask the audience if they've had any experience with the topic of your presentation. If you can get them talking, they're more likely to be engaged.[5]
- If you do want to include a fun prize, it doesn't have to be anything big. A piece of candy or a nice pen are great gifts to give away.
[Edit]Presentation - Frame your presentation like a story. It should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. If you can stick to that theme, your audience will be more engaged since they'll want to know where it's going.[6]
- For example, if you were presenting about a new communication method at work, you could first talk about the problems employees are facing. Then you could talk about how you brainstormed together to find a solution, and finally, you could reveal your new online communication tool.
- Talk to the audience, not your PowerPoint. Stand on one side of the screen and face your audience as you talk. If you can, try to situate your computer in front of you so you can see what the PowerPoint looks like without turning around to stare at it.[7]
- It's really not fun to look at the back of someone's head for an entire presentation. Glance out into the audience and try to make eye contact with people periodically.
- If making eye contact feels a little intimidating, look at someone's forehead instead.
- Build off the text instead of reading it word-for-word. Your audience can see what's on the screen, so they don't need you to repeat it. Instead, use your text to illustrate key points as you explain more in-depth with your words.[8]
- For example, if you're giving a presentation about the Civil War, your bullet points could be "April 1861," "South Carolina," and "Confederate vs. Union." Then, you could talk more about when and where the Civil War started and who was fighting whom.
- Add in a few jokes. Humor can really add a little spice to your presentation. If you find a few spots to insert a joke, add one or two to keep your audience engaged.[9]
- Try to keep the jokes minimal—more than a couple could make your presentation feel less professional.
- Serious topics don't work well with humor. If you're giving a presentation about something that isn't funny, don't worry about adding jokes.
[Edit]PowerPoint Basics - Pick out a template and stick to it. Switching formats in between slides can be a little jarring, and it might make it hard for your audience to pay attention. Pick out a slide format that you like, then keep it that way throughout the entire presentation.[10]
- Simple, clear formats are always better than busy or cluttered ones.
- Stay away from animations. While animations can sound like a way to make your presentation more fun, they're actually more distracting than anything. Try not to insert any animations or motions unless they're strictly necessary.[11]
- Animations also slow down the pace of your presentation, and they can lead to a choppy or jumpy PowerPoint.
- Use high-quality pictures and videos instead of text. If you have a really good talking point that could use a photo or a video, put that on your slide! Make sure it's high quality so that it looks good up on the big screen.[12]
- For example, if you were giving a presentation about parks and recreation services, you could insert a photo of a family using an outdoor area as you talk about community wellness.
- Stick to about one slide per minute. Speeding through your slides is a bit jarring, but moving at a snail's pace can get boring. Try to move through your slides at about 1 per minute to keep a good pace.[13]
- You don't need to time this exactly, but your slides should be short enough that you only spend about 1 minute talking about them. If you need more time, split the slide up into 2 parts.
- Make a handout to give to the audience so they can follow along. If you want to really engage your audience, put together a one-page paper that compiles the most important text and visuals from your presentation. It shouldn't be a direct copy of your PowerPoint, but it should include the highlights from your speech.[14]
- This is a way for the audience to follow along or look back at your presentation later.
- You could also leave some room for notes at the bottom if the audience members want to jot something down.
[Edit]Sample PowerPoint Presentations - Practice your presentation at home to work out any kinks before you stand in front of your audience.
[Edit]References |
| How to Ask for a Job Interview Posted: 05 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST Have you ever thought to yourself, "Oh wow, I'd really love to work here, but I don't even know where to start?" A great first step is to get your foot in the door by landing an interview. If you can nail the interview, you can get almost any job that you want. The thing is, to get an interview, you've got to ask for one. Luckily, whether it's your dream job or a position that will help you advance in your career path, asking for an interview doesn't have to be super complicated. Whether you're reaching out by email or you're including a cover letter in your application, the key is to grab the attention of your potential boss and show them why you're a great candidate for the job. After that, asking is the easy part! [Edit]When to Ask - Put your request in the subject line of your response email. If you're responding to a job posting or an ad listing an open position, write up a clear and actionable subject line for your response email. In the subject line, include your request for an interview for the job you want so the hiring manager or your potential future boss knows right away why you're contacting them. Send the email to the address listed in the job posting.[1]
- For instance, you could craft a subject line like "Interview Request for Personal Assistant Position."
- If the company has multiple locations, include the one you're applying for in the subject line.
- Keep it professional and avoid using demanding or rude language like, "I want an interview."
- Email your resume to a hiring manager if there isn't a job posting. Update your resume and look for the hiring manager's email on the company's website or social media. If there isn't a hiring manager, look for a human resources (HR) manager. Shoot them an email or a message that includes your resume and ask them for the opportunity to interview for a potential position. You might just land your dream job.[2]
- If you want to take a shot at applying to work for your favorite company, it might be worth a shot!
- Some people may have an email filter that blocks messages with attachments. If your email gets returned to you as undeliverable, try sending it again without your resume attached.
- Close your cover letter with a call to action for an interview. If a job you're applying for asks for a cover letter, grab their attention with a well-written one and include a request for an interview in the letter so you stand out from any other candidates vying for the job. Keep up your enthusiasm and excitement when you're wrapping up your letter and add a subtle, polite request to interview for the job.[3]
- For example, you could say something like, "I'd love the chance to talk more about the position! Let me know if you'd like to set up an interview."
- Go with something like "Sincerely" or "Best" as a professional complimentary close.
- Ask a hiring manager for a short interview at the end of a phone call. If you're calling a company about a potential job, be friendly to the receptionist or whoever answers the phone—it could make a big difference! Politely ask to speak with a hiring manager or someone in the human resources (HR) department who makes hiring decisions. Introduce yourself and explain that you're calling about a specific position. Before you end the call, ask them for a 20-minute interview to talk more about the position.[4]
- For example, you could end the call by saying something like, "I'd love to discuss the job more with you. Can we set up a 20-minute meeting to talk in person?"
- Twenty minutes won't eat up too much of their time and they may be more likely to agree to a short interview.
- If they aren't available any time soon, ask them if you can schedule a short meeting for a specific time and date. Leave your name and number so they have your info.
- Bring your resume and ask a hiring manager in person. Another option is to simply walk into the company's office and ask for an interview. Be courteous and ask to speak with a hiring manager or an HR rep. Make sure you bring a few copies of your resume with you so you can give one to whoever you speak with about the job.[5] Tell them who you are and why you're interested in the position. At the end of the conversation, ask for a short, 20-minute meeting to talk more about the job.[6]
- For instance, after you talk to a manager about why you're interested in the job, you could say something like, "But listen, I know you're super busy. If it's alright with you, could we set up a short, 20-minute meeting to talk more about it?"
- If a manager isn't available to speak with you, try leaving your name and number with a receptionist or another work and ask them to give you a call.
- Explain who you are and state your request clearly at the top of the email. Tell your potential employer your name and why you're contacting them right off the bat in the opening lines of the email.[7] Make it clear that you'd like to interview for the position you're applying for by mentioning it as well so they know you're serious.[8]
- For example, you could start your email with something like, "Hello, my name is Chris Smith, and I'm writing in regards to the office manager position. I'd love the opportunity to be considered and potentially interview for the position."
- Reference 3 skills you have that would benefit the company. Make a strong impression and help yourself stand out by demonstrating what you bring to the table and how you can benefit the company you're applying for. Include at least 3 talents, skills, or experience that you have that make you an ideal candidate for the job.[9]
- Try to mention skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. For instance, if you're trying to get an interview for a copy editor position, talk about your writing skills and work ethic rather than your love of graphic novels or hiking.
- If you're applying for a receptionist position, for example, you could say something like, "Anybody who knows me knows that I love talking to people and helping them find what they need, which should come in handy as a receptionist. I'm also a fast learner and I'm happy to try new things if something comes up that I can help out with in the office."
- Keep your email brief and be flexible in your request to meet. Don't make any more work for your potential boss than necessary. Remember, they're a busy person, and they may be going through lots of emails looking to hire somebody. Make their job easier and make your email look better by keeping it direct and brief. End your email by asking to meet for an interview whenever it's most convenient for them.[10]
- If your email is really long, it may get ignored.
- Try a friendly and flexible request like, "I'm really interested in the position, and I'm available to meet for an interview whenever it's most convenient for you."
- Format your email and use professional language. Make your email look really good by using a professional email address and font (something like Times New Roman or Arial), as well as a proper salutation by addressing the recipient by name along with their title. Use complete sentences and polite phrasing and proofread your message to make sure there aren't any spelling or grammar mistakes.[11]
- If your email address isn't super professional, you might want to make a new one that's a little more formal.
- Whatever you do, do not use decorative fonts like Comic Sans!
- Make sure you spell the person's name correctly if you know it and use the right title. For instance, if they're a doctor, use the "Dr." title rather than Mr. or Ms.
- Attach your resume if it's requested and send your email. Once you've wrapped up your email, send it off to your potential future employer and hang tight for a response from them. If a position specifically asks for you to include your resume, definitely attach it to the email before you send it. If it isn't requested, don't attach it, but mention that you can provide it if they'd like to review it.[12]
- You could add a line like, "Let me know if you'd like to see a copy of my current resume."
- Send a thank you email if they respond to you. If you receive a reply from the company and they're interested in setting up an interview, reply with a friendly email to work out the details and thank them for the opportunity. If they respond and aren't interested in hiring you—it's still a good idea to send a thank you! You never know what future positions will open up with them. Better to end on a good note.[13]
- Waiting for a response can feel agonizing. But try not to follow up with emails asking about your potential interview or you could turn them off to the idea of hiring you.
- You may not receive any reply at all. If you don't hear anything after a week or so, you can try sending a follow-up email.[14] Try saying something like, "I just wanted to make sure you received my email. I know things can get lost in an inbox all the time."
- Research the company and read the job ad before you call. Prepare yourself before you make the actual call by visiting the company's website and social media to learn more about the products and services they offer so you're super knowledgeable and able to talk about them. If there's a job posting, read it carefully so you can reference it and have a clear idea of what they're looking for.[15]
- Take a look at their company structure so you know who the bosses are.
- Use a landline so the call is less likely to get dropped. Cell phones can drop calls and have poor reception. If you can, use a landline so the reception is crystal clear and don't have to worry about getting cut off.[16]
- If you can't use a landline, try to find a place where your phone has full service.
- Call the company's main number and ask for the hiring manager. If you don't know anybody at the company, don't call somebody's office directly if you can help it. Instead, call the main public line and ask to be transferred to the hiring manager.[17]
- If they're unavailable, try asking for their voicemail. You can leave a short message asking them to call you back. Make sure you leave your name and number so they can reach you.
- Introduce yourself and ask if it's a convenient time for them to talk. Start the conversation by greeting the manager and telling them who you are. Ask them if they have a quick moment to talk so you seem courteous and respectful of their time.[18]
- If they don't have time for a call, ask them when would be a better time for you to call back.
- Mention your experience and education to show them you're capable. Talk about your interest in the potential job and how your experience has prepared you to handle it. Be polite and listen to them whenever they speak. Mention your education as well to demonstrate your credentials.[19]
- For instance, if you're calling about an accounting position, you could say something like, "I've always been good with numbers. That's why I majored in accounting in college and started working at a firm as soon as I graduated."
- If you don't have a ton of academic credentials, try focusing more on your experience. For a construction manager position, for example, you could say something like, "I've been on job sites all my life and I've been a manager for the past 6 years."
- Ask for a 20-minute interview at the end of the call. When the call is starting to wrap up, ask if you can meet them in person. Give them a short 20-minute window, which won't take up too much of their time, but is more than enough for you to learn more about the company and demonstrate how you'd be a great employee.[20]
[Edit]In Person - Print out copies of your resume to bring with you. Update your resume so it's current and neatly formatted to fit on 1 page. Print out at least 2-3 copies and take them with you so you can give them to a manager if you land an interview.[21]
- Avoid having a resume longer than 1 page or you could turn off a potential employer.
- Practice a 15-second pitch so you can impress the manager. Write down your experience, your education, and what qualifies you for the job. Narrow down the info into a 15-second pitch and rehearse it over and over until you've got it memorized.[22]
- For instance, let's say you want to try to land an interview for a copy editor position, you could say something like, "I love writing, I love reading, and I love reading and editing writing. I've always had a knack for helping people improve their work and I believe in the work you guys do. I think I'd be a great fit if you'd be willing to give me a shot."
- You may not have much time to catch their attention. A strong, short pitch could land you a potential interview.
- Try practicing your pitch to friends and family for feedback.
- Walk in and ask if you can speak to the hiring manager. Talk to the person working at the front desk. Ask them if there's a hiring manager you can speak to or if there's someone who works in HR that makes the hiring decisions.[23]
- Be polite to the receptionist. You don't want to make any enemies before you even talk to the manager!
- If you aren't able to speak with a hiring manager, ask if you can leave your resume with the front desk. That way, they'll have all of your contact info and work experience handy.
- Ask the manager if they have 20 minutes for an interview. When the manager arrives, give them your short pitch. If they seem interested, ask them if you can have 20 minutes of their time, which isn't too burdensome and will allow you to further demonstrate how and why you'd be a great employee.[24]
- If they don't have time for an interview then, ask if you can schedule one for another time.
- If a company requests specific information in your cover letter, make sure you include that as well!
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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