How to Deal With Orchid Root Rot

How to Fix Orchid Root Rot

Once you've identified root rot, you need to repair the damage by pruning out roots that are no longer viable. To return the orchid to full, good health, follow up with adjustments to its care schedule.

1. Before Pruning Water Thoroughly

   Orchid roots, even those that are partially dried out or discolored can still feed the plant. A thorough watering 24 hours before pruning plumps up the roots, which helps you determine where to prune and how much to remove.

   Run tepid water run through the pot for one minute. Drain off excess and leave the orchid to sit for 24 hours. If you've removed it from the pot, soak the roots by submerging them in a small container of water until they start to plump up, Avoid wetting the foliage.

   Tip

   Working with wet roots can promote fungal infections. Make sure they dry before handling.

2. Remove the Orchid From its Pot

   Gently grasp the main stem at the base. If your orchid has several stems or pseudobulbs, support the entire plant with one hand and turn the pot upside down. The orchid should slide out easily in your hand.

   If the medium is tightly packed and the plant rootbound, remove some of the potting material by hand, or gently shake the pot to release loose material.

   If the orchid pot has extra cutouts with healthy aerial roots protruding, carefully slide the roots back through the holes to avoid damaging them.

3. Remove Excess Planting Material

   Lay the orchid on a clean, flat surface and use your fingers to lightly comb the roots to separate and remove any clinging material.

4. Prune Damaged Roots

   Separate roots that are no longer viable from the main stem(s). Use a cutting tool to make a clean, concise cut at the base of the root. Clean your tool with a quick spray of isopropyl alcohol after each cut.

   Cut back partially damaged roots until you see healthy tissue. Treat cuts with a fungicide for orchids.

   Tip

   Yellow roots are not uncommon, especially in the center of a tightly packed pot. Don't assume that a yellow root is a sick root.

5. Spray the Roots with Fungicide (Optional)

   A quick spray of the roots with a fungicide before repotting is optional but may encourage your orchid to recover.

6. Repot with Fresh Material

   Examine the pot for signs of fungus or salt residue (white, chalky patches.) Clean, sterilize and dry the pot, or choose a new pot, then repot the orchid using fresh materials.

   If aerial roots are present and growing in an upward direction, don't try to force them back down into the pot. Make sure rhizomes are covered but avoid covering up any new buds growing on lower canes or stems.

7. Allow the Orchid to Recover

   Give the orchid several days, up to a week, to recover before resuming a normal watering schedule. Withhold fertilizer until you see signs of new growth indicated by an emergent leaf or root.
   

How to Prevent Orchid Root Rot

Prevent root rot by keeping an adequate, consistent care schedule for your type of orchid. Find out about the growing conditions in its native environment and try to replicate daytime and nighttime temperatures, humidity, and type and amount of light.

Getting the watering schedule right is essential. Most varieties go through a rest period following bloom and require less frequent watering when not actively growing. Potted orchids must have good drainage holes and should never be allowed to sit in water.

Make sure that there's good aeration in the potting medium as well. Orchid roots need adequate airflow and oxygen to remain healthy.

Moving air is also essential for orchids, especially epiphytic varieties with aerial roots that take nutrients from the air. Air circulation can be improved by installing a fan or humidifier.

Avoid handling your orchid during bloom. Instead, wait until after bloom to inspect it and tend to any pruning and repotting.