One of the causes of orchid root rot and its prevention: the substrate

CultivationThe substrate lacks drainage and aeration function Water is the source of all things,orchidsmust have water in order to absorb and transport nutrients and carry out normal metabolic processes.Orchidsare epiphytic plants with aerial roots; during their growth, aside from a small portion of their water needs being supplied by moisture in the air, most of the water must be drawn from the moisture contained in thecultivationsubstrate, and the orchid roots must also draw oxygen from the pores of the substrate in the pot for respiration. If the substrate in the pot drains poorly and the moisture content is too high, water will fill the substrate pores, creating waterlogged conditions; the substrate pores become filled with water and lack oxygen, the roots suffocate from oxygen deprivation, and over time the root function gradually fails. At this point, because harmful pathogens invade and multiply, the roots will rot as a result. Prepare a good orchid growing substrate. The orchid growing substrate must drain and breathe, moist but not waterlogged, dry but not parched. There are many special orchid planting materials sold on the market now, and they are very suitable, such as Sichuan's Emei soil, Chongzhou's expanded soil, and Guangdong's various special orchid soils; these are all very good orchidcultivationmaterials. You can also mix some leaf mold into these materials to supplement insufficient fertility. You can also use local materials, such as weathered soil, crushed brick granules, crushed charcoal granules, crushed tree bark, etc., mixed with an appropriate amount of leaf mold; the effect is also very good, as it drains and breathes, retains moisture without waterlogging, and has a certain fertility. But note that the materials used must be non-toxic, sterile, pollution-free, and free of parasitic insect eggs, otherwise they will also harm the orchid root system. (Yang Shizhang) Cultivationmaterials. You can also mix some leaf mold into these materials to make up for a lack of fertility. You can also use locally available materials, such as weathered soil, crushed brick granules, crushed charcoal granules, crushed tree bark, etc., mixed with an appropriate amount of leaf mold; the effect is also very good, as it both drains water and lets air through, and also retains moisture without waterlogging, while providing a certain amount of fertility. But note that the materials used must be non-toxic, sterile, pollution-free, and free of parasitic insect eggs, otherwise they will also harm the orchid's root system. (Yang Shizhang)