What to Do When a Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) Has Root Rot? A Detailed Guide to Home Rescue Methods

When growing Phalaenopsis orchids at home, improper watering or poor potting medium can sometimes lead to root rot. Below are measures to prevent root rot and ways to rescue an orchid that already has it.

First, choose the potting medium: use a loose, airy, well-draining substrate. For example, peat mixed with perlite, or peat mixed with pine needles, moss, and the like, all work well. Use organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer.

Second, keep the potting medium moist, but never waterlogged; waterlogging is the main cause of root rot. Pay close attention: if water does not drain through for a long time after watering, it means the potting medium has been used too long and has become too dense, so you should change the soil promptly to avoid root rot.

Once root rot occurs, you can tip the potting medium out of the pot and break it apart, rinse the roots clean with fresh water, and cut off the rotted roots while keeping as much of the healthy part as possible. Soak the cut ends and the remaining roots in a 2‰ potassium permanganate solution for 10 minutes, let them dry, then coat the cut ends well with plant ash, and the orchid can be repotted. The potting medium must be sterilized; you can pour boiling water through it until thoroughly soaked, then let it cool before use. When repotting, press the root crown area firmly, water thoroughly, place the plant in a shaded spot, cover it with plastic film, and keep the temperature at around 20°C; new roots should grow in about 20 days.