What Causes Root Rot in Orchids? Learn the Right Way to Save Them

During orchid growing, root rot is a very troublesome problem. If the cause is not identified, it will happen again every year. So what are the causes of orchid root rot? What is the right way to remedy it?

1. What are the causes of orchid root rot?

1. Water quality

Many people actually do not understand this point very well. In fact, orchids have stricter water quality requirements than other plants. Unclean water and unsuitable water pH both cause reactions in orchids. It is easy to understand that unclean water will contain more invading bacteria and possibly even toxins, and then disease symptoms will appear in the roots. As for water pH, the suitable pH range for orchids is roughly between PH5.5-6.5. If the water is on the acidic side, the orchid's absorption of the three key elements, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, will be limited, while if the pH is on the alkaline side, the absorption of trace elements will be blocked.

2. The choice of growing medium

When choosing a growing medium, it must meet the growth needs of orchid roots. There is a term called “porosity”. Orchid roots need to absorb oxygen from the pores of the growing medium for respiration. At this time, if the pores are occupied by water, the roots will be in an oxygen-deficient state, in a suffocating state, and then when fungi and bacteria invade, the roots will rot. One saying needs to be remembered here: “where there is water, there are microbes”.

3. Improper care

Usually when orchids are repotted or trimmed, accidentally damaging the orchid buds will lead to orchid bud rot. When applying liquid fertilizer to orchids, if the fertilizer water enters the heart of the orchid bud and cannot drain out for a long time, it causes the orchid bud heart to rot. The appearance of pests and other problems can also cause orchid bud rot.

2. What is the right way to remedy orchid root rot?

1. Choose a well-formulated orchid growing medium

The orchid growing medium should drain water and allow air through, moist but not waterlogged, dry but not parched. It should drain water and allow air through, retain moisture without becoming waterlogged, and also have a certain level of fertility. But note that the material used must be non-toxic, free of harmful bacteria, free of pollution, and free of parasitic insect eggs, otherwise it will also harm the orchid root system.

2. The water used to irrigate orchids must be clean

Polluted water and unclean water cannot be used. Many orchid books say that stream water and river water are most suitable for orchid growth, but most orchid growers live in cities and are not professionally running orchid gardens, so it is very difficult to meet this requirement. From years of practice, the author has found that watering orchids with tap water also gives very good results. If conditions allow, leaving the water in a bucket for a few days so that the chlorine in the water evaporates is even better. If spring water or pond water is used to irrigate orchids, PH test paper should be used to test its acidity and alkalinity and adjust it accordingly.

3. Maintain air permeability

No matter what material the orchid pot is made of, there must be appropriate holes in the bottom of the pot, and it is even better if there are several holes around the lower part of the pot wall. In short, it must allow air through and drain water, so as to help drainage and air flow. The placement of the orchid pot should allow air to circulate around the bottom and walls of the pot. If conditions allow, an orchid stand can be used, and the effect will be even better. To grow orchids well, suitable temperature, humidity, light and other environmental conditions are needed, but creating a good environment for orchid roots is the most important part. If the orchid roots are cultivated well, ideal orchids can be grown.