<![CDATA[Orchid Health: Rot]]> Help, my orchid has crown/root rot! What should I do?
Rot on orchids typically happens when water “pools” on an orchid. This can happen in their crown (where leaves are growing) and at their roots. It is very important to take care of this immediately because this can kill an orchid! A lot of times we see signs of root rot in the leaves before we see it in the crown as shown below.
Preventing root/crown rot
- The leaves of these types of orchids act as a syphon for water and because of this water will gather/pool at the base of their leaves. Make sure that when you water your orchids, especially ones like Phaleanopsis, that you take a paper towel and soak up any let over water that has pooled at their leaf base.
- Rot in orchid roots is usually caused by overwatering and also the common mistake of letting an orchid sit in water…like you would a normal houseplant. Orchids are not like normal houseplants in that they HATE having their roots sitting in water. In nature they would typically be growing off a tree and experience natural rain forest water trickle through them. Click on this post – for proper watering techniques.
- Make sure there is air movement around your orchids. Either a fan or near an open window.
Treating root/crown rot
I use Physan 20 to treat rot but if you don't have this then do the following;
- Treat the crown rot with full strength hydrogen peroxide. Pour it over the crown of your orchid.
- Repeat every 2-3 days until the rot no longer fizzes and bubbles with the hydrogen peroxide application.
- Then sprinkle cinnamon (yes, the regular spice from your cabinet) to treat the fungus.
Hope that helps,
Hannah
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