---
title: "Orchid is doing so much better in water it had pests eating its roots…"
description: "Orchid is doing so much better in water it had pests eating its roots when it was in orchid bark. Only one little root survived."
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/64d2e6428065ddcd43a96593"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Sam"
published: "2023-08-09T01:05:06.437Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/xZ1cPFQbqzL6peMw2Xp5Ax3MEyAr6BspotD9q8__1cI/bef6aee3b64e45b480754c7c514d3dfd.webp?size=large"
---

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# Orchid is doing so much better in water it had pests eating its roots…

_Posted by Sam on 2023-08-09_

Orchid is doing so much better in water it had pests eating its roots when it was in orchid bark. Only one little root survived.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/xZ1cPFQbqzL6peMw2Xp5Ax3MEyAr6BspotD9q8__1cI/bef6aee3b64e45b480754c7c514d3dfd.webp?size=large)

## 3 comments

### Jen commented on 2023-08-09

I’m glad your orchid seems to be doing better. Curious- what kind of pests did you have in the bark?

Also- I don’t know enough about how orchids grow in water, but I am so very hesitant about this hydration technique. Epiphytic orchids, like your phal here, need to have time for their roots to dry out between waterings. I would be very afraid of eventual root rot. Do you take it out of the water for a couple days when you change out to fresh water? Do you live in an extremely dry climate? I’m intrigued.

#### Sam replied on 2023-08-09

not sure what kind of pests but when i change the water I don't usually let it dry out i live in a semi- humid climate do you think i should

#### Jen replied on 2023-08-09

I really don’t know enough about water culture. In my research and my own experience, that’s what I would do- let the root dry a bit between dunking. I can see this being a great care technique as you are rehydrating and promoting new root growth, but long term I would see it as a major risk for root and stem rot. But again, take that with a grain of salt, because I am no water growing expert.

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