How to rescue a Phalaenopsis orchid with moldy, rotting roots?

With Spring Festival approaching, the stalls surrounded by crowds at the flower market are mostly those specializing in Phalaenopsis orchids. In recent years it has become a popular choice of flower because of its unique flower shape; once the blooms open they flutter like butterflies.

However, although it is beautiful, during care it can easily bring troublesome problems to new flower lovers, such as roots turning black, shrinking or becoming moldy and rotting. These problems not only affect the plant's ornamental value, but may even threaten the plant's life.

If during care the Phalaenopsis roots turn black, that is mostly caused by overwatering, because watering too frequently blocks soil drainage; other causes may be diseases of the roots themselves.

To basically solve these two problems, the key is to control watering, keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged, and regularly clear the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If abnormal roots are found, the problematic parts should be cut off promptly, and at the same time an appropriate fungicide should be used for treatment. In addition, after such a situation occurs, the plant should be placed in a low-humidity, mildly warm environment to reduce the risk of root disease.

Besides the problem of roots turning black, the problem of Phalaenopsis roots shrinking is also overlooked by many flower growers. Generally speaking, shrinkage is caused by long-term lack of water, and part of the cause is also unsuitable potting soil texture. If it is a case of drought, the roots appear extremely dense; at this time you need to immediately adjust the watering frequency and increase the moisture supply around it, such as adding water mist to make the environment more humid, so that it slowly grows normally again. If it is due to a soil problem, then you need to replace it with new soil that has good air permeability.

As for the soil-changing operation, first use sterilized scissors to trim off the moldy, rotten roots of the Phalaenopsis, then replace with new dry medium (sphagnum moss, bark, etc.). After replacing, the indoor humidity should preferably be maintained at around 20 degrees Celsius, and it should also be placed in a ventilated position. Within one week, reduce watering to avoid water accumulating at the roots. Finally, patiently wait for the plant to recover, and during this period do not rush to water or fertilize again.