How to treat and prevent root rot in Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) caused by overwatering?

Many people who have seen a Phalaenopsis are drawn in by its flower shape, and besides having an auspicious flower meaning, its blooming period can even span the entire winter, which is why it has become the "most enduring companion" in the hearts of flower lovers.

Despite all its beauty, problems of one kind or another inevitably arise along the way when growing Phalaenopsis, and the most common one is root rot caused by overwatering, which subsequently turns the lower leaves yellow and gradually wilts the flowers.

So how do you spot a problem with the plant as quickly as possible in daily care? Here it is recommended that when growing orchids you never replace its own transparent cup, because when the leaves look wilted or soft and limp, you can first check visually through the cup itself. If the potting medium always looks soaking wet, pull the plant out promptly to inspect it, and if the roots are also black, then nine times out of ten it is root rot.

How do you avoid the situations mentioned above in daily care? First, the "golden rule" of daily care: watering should be "dry before wet." Simply put, wait until the surface of the sphagnum moss feels dry, then water until it runs out the bottom of the pot. Flower lovers who cannot judge this are advised to stick a finger about 2 cm into the medium, and if it feels dry and not sticky, then it is time to water thoroughly. In addition, remember that watering is not set in stone and needs to be handled differently depending on the season; for example, in summer when the weather is hot and evaporation is fast, water once a week; in winter the plant enters a "dormant period," during which watering once every half month is enough; better to water less than too much.

If the roots are already rotting, then hurry to give "first aid." First carefully pull the plant out of the pot, use scissors to cut off all the blackened, rotting roots, cutting back until healthy white parts are exposed, and it is best to wipe the scissors with alcohol beforehand to disinfect them. Next, prepare a basin of diluted carbendazim solution and soak the trimmed roots in it for 15 to 20 minutes to sterilize the wounds.

Finally, repot it with fresh, clean sphagnum moss, and after repotting do not rush to water; during the recovery period, just mist a little water around the leaves with a spray bottle each day to keep them moist, and after about a week, once you see the leaves gradually perking up, resume normal watering.