Roots appear brown and mushy or dark in color, flat, dried out, and lacking turgidity.
Orchids are susceptible to fungal infections that can damage roots.
Rotten roots are discolored, brown or black, soft, mushy, and flat (lost turgidity.)
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Healthy roots should be swollen and firm, and green or silvery gray-green with a darker tip.
Early signs of root rot may present as flower buds that drop before they open or withering yellowish leaves.
Dark, sunken spots may appear on the foliage.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
The plant may be stunted, show no signs of new growth, or fail to bloom entirely.
To return the orchid to full, good health, follow up with adjustments to its care schedule.
Run tepid water run through the pot for one minute.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Drain off excess and leave the orchid to sit for 24 hours.
Tip
Working with wet roots can promote fungal infections.
double-check they dry before handling.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Remove the Orchid From its Pot
Gently grasp the main stem at the base.
The orchid should slide out easily in your hand.
Prune Damaged Roots
Separate roots that are no longer viable from the main stem(s).
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Use a cutting tool to make a clean, concise cut at the base of the root.
Clean your tool with a quick spray of isopropyl alcohol after each cut.
Cut back partially damaged roots until you see healthy tissue.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Treat cuts with a fungicide for orchids.
Yellow roots are not uncommon, especially in the center of a tightly packed pot.
Don’t assume that a yellow root is a sick root.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Clean, sterilize and dry the pot, or choose a new pot, thenrepot the orchidusing fresh materials.
see to it rhizomes are covered but avoid covering up any new buds growing on lower canes or stems.
Withhold fertilizer until you see signs of new growth indicated by an emergent leaf or root.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
Getting the watering schedule right is essential.
Most varieties go through a rest period following bloom and require less frequent watering when not actively growing.
Potted orchids must have good drainage holes and should never be allowed to sit in water.
The Spruce / Michele Lee
see to it that there’s good aeration in the potting medium as well.
Orchid roots need adequate airflow and oxygen to remain healthy.
Air circulation can be improved by installing a fan or humidifier.
Avoid handling your orchid during bloom.
Instead, wait until after bloom to inspect it and tend to anypruningand repotting.
Remove roots at the base that have lost all firmness or turned dark.
Roots that still show healthy color should be cut back to healthy tissue.
Treat cuts with hydrogen peroxide.
Root rot can occur with any plant.
