How to Save Orchids with Rotting Roots
The elegant posture of orchids often leads people to overlook the importance of their root health. By the time yellowing and wilted leaves are noticed, the roots have usually suffered severe damage. This article provides a five-step systematic solution to help orchid enthusiasts save damaged plants from water management to disease prevention.
Water Management and Root Repair
Natural Water Source Selection Criteria
When using rainwater for irrigation, collect unpolluted precipitation. For river water, choose flowing water sources. Well water should be left to stand to balance the temperature before use. Chlorine removal from tap water is recommended to be done by exposing it to the sun for 48 hours in summer and keeping it still for 24 hours in winter to avoid root stress caused by excessive temperature differences.
Mineral Balance Techniques
Measure the water quality with an EC value pen every quarter, keeping the ideal range between 0.3-0.6ms/cm. In hard water areas, add 1/4 proportion of distilled water to adjust, and in soft water areas, it is recommended to add a special orchid nutrient solution monthly to supplement trace elements.
Cultivation Substrate and Container Optimization
Analysis of Ventilated Containers
Porcelain pots have a porosity of about 25%-30%, suitable for environments with over 60% humidity. Coarse ceramic pots have a breathability of 35%-40%, suitable for well-ventilated places. The bottom of the container should be equipped with a drainage layer of more than 3cm, and it is recommended to use ceramsite or volcanic stones as a base.
Plant Material Mixing Scheme
For plants with rotting roots, it is recommended to use an emergency formula of bark: volcanic rock: sphagnum moss = 5:3:2. After the transition period, adjust to a stable structure of bark: stone: coconut shell = 6:2:2 to maintain porosity at 40%-45%.
Key Environmental Control Indicators
Temperature and Humidity Synergy Management
Keep the daytime temperature between 18-25°C, and it can be reduced to 16-20°C at night to promote nutrient accumulation. Use a smart humidity meter to monitor in real-time and maintain 55%-65% air humidity with an ultrasonic humidifier. The moisture content of the potting soil should be kept in a "moist but not wet" state.
Light Intensity Grading
Recovery plants require 1500-3000lux scattered light, and use a lux meter to test the window brightness. For a southeast-facing windowsill, pair with a 50% shade net, and for a north-facing environment, it is recommended to supplement with a grow light for 4 hours a day at 2000lux.
Disease Prevention and Treatment Operations
When pruning roots, use scissors that have been disinfected with alcohol and flame. Cut the incisions at a 45-degree angle. Keep the potassium permanganate solution concentration strictly between 0.1%-0.2% and do not exceed 15 minutes of soaking. After potting, apply Bacillus subtilis to the roots to establish a beneficial bacterial defense system.
Through systematic maintenance for 3-6 months, the damaged orchid plants can gradually recover their functions. Regularly observe the growth status of the crystal tips of new roots, and when there are more than three healthy roots over 5cm in length, it indicates that the plant has fully recovered.