What to Know About Introducing Edible Mushrooms, and Beware of the Deadly Orchid Rot Disease

For orchids, rot disease is extremely harmful and spreads rapidly. Orchid rot disease mainly consists of two types: soft rot and black rot.

In the early stages of soft rot, small brown water-soaked spots appear on the leaves, which then expand into black, moist patches. At this point, the diseased spots are very prone to rupturing and exude a foul-smelling liquid. Afterward, the orchid plant will quickly rot. This disease generally occurs in rainy and humid seasons when temperatures are above 30°C.

Black rot, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that mostly occurs on the leaves, root base, and growing point. At the affected area, semi-transparent spots first appear, and the spots gradually expand, the tissue turns black, and it gradually rots. When it begins to appear on the root system or underground stem, attention should be paid. If not prevented and treated, it will quickly spread from the root system to the entire underground stem, until the plant is completely destroyed. In a very short time, this disease can turn the orchid's rhizome black and cause the leaves to blacken and rot.

Prevention and Treatment Methods ⟧7⟧After an orchid is infected with rot disease, it is necessary to promptly repot it and change the soil, cut off all diseased tissue and burn it in a centralized manner, then wash and disinfect the cut surfaces with clean water, apply sulfur powder, and place it in a cool, ventilated area to dry. After the cut surfaces have dried and shrunk, repot it. After repotting, do not water or spray water for 3 to 4 days, and spray once with a solution made from 50% thiram plus 500 times water. The growing environment should be enhanced with ventilation and light. Rescued diseased plants should temporarily be isolated from other orchids to prevent infection. Only after they grow normally and are no longer infectious can they be placed together with other orchids. (Information source: China Flower News)

After an orchid is infected with rot disease, it should be repotted with fresh soil in a timely manner. All tissues of the diseased parts should be cut off and burned in a centralized manner, then the cut surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected with clean water, and sulfur powder should be applied. Place it in a cool, ventilated place to dry, and after the cut surfaces have dried and shrunk, repot it again. After repotting, do not water or spray water for 3 to 4 days, and use 50% thiram mixed with 500 times water to make a solution and spray it once. The growing environment should have enhanced ventilation and light. The rescued diseased plant should be temporarily isolated from other orchids to prevent contagion. Only after it grows normally and is no longer contagious may it be placed together with other orchids. (Information source: China Flower News)