---
title: "I sent a post earlier about my orchid, that didn’t get watered when…"
description: "I sent a post earlier about my orchid, that didn’t get watered when it should’ve been; now I’m noticing that its fourth leaf is turning yellow. Even though she…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/O2df9XJ9RmykgdD_q-_p3Q"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Lynda"
published: "2024-11-21T22:39:56.051247Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/E48Kf34rQjekPnkaffdPXA.webp?size=large"
---

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# I sent a post earlier about my orchid, that didn’t get watered when…

_Posted by Lynda on 2024-11-21_

I sent a post earlier about my orchid, that didn’t get watered when it should’ve been; now I’m noticing that its fourth leaf is turning yellow. Even though she was repotted recently, and was very healthy, with nice green roots, I decided to remove her from her pot, and look at her roots. She looks really bad! I can see no healthy roots left. However, she is growing a tiny, new leaf, and does have a new stem coming. IS SHE GOING TO LIVE, at this point, in your opinion?  
TIA… 🤗💚🪴

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/E48Kf34rQjekPnkaffdPXA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/LbXqYi6JTWuKkhdd8JhD9A.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ogsS0GJIvWBzx7CvItnCsicGb0YTD2umkWf-CRAbvzU/61yM8aHKTDaEfqaYRrHSAw.webp?size=large)

## 14 comments

### eatyacarbs commented on 2024-11-21

my experience with this variety of orchid has been that YES! she will live. they are resilient.

#### Lynda replied on 2024-11-21

Should I remove all those black coverings on the roots, or just leave them, and keep on caring for her the way I have?  
TIA.… 🤗💚🪴

#### eatyacarbs replied on 2024-11-21

if they’re not mushy or slimy it’s fine to leave them i think

### Jen commented on 2024-11-22

This is what I was referring to in my comment in your previous post- if you keep the roots wet, they will rot. If they are firm to pressure, leave them. If they are mushy and have little substance, you need to cut them off. It will take longer for the plant to bounce back, but all hope is not lost.

### Jen commented on 2024-11-22

When you say you see a new stem coming, do you mean a new flower spike? And where? I don’t see it in any of the pics.

#### Lynda replied on 2024-11-22

I don’t know all the proper orchid terms, but what is that green thing, that looks like a stem, that’s poking up into the air?  
TIA… 🤗💚🪴

#### MeasomerPi replied on 2024-11-22

I didn’t see an inflorescence (or flower spike) but you do have an aerial root. At this point I wouldn’t do anything with it. As others have said, Phalanopsis are tough plants and can develop a new root system. It will take time. It’s a good sign that it is forming a new leaf so take heart’!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JLf1LdLd_hy8kN4fR58e7t9Oig2pM4DXxlM-d7xORAQ/SRvtYaHXROiLKOazkUO7JA.webp?size=large)

#### Jen replied on 2024-11-22

Yes, that’s a root- not a flower spike. Which is good! Roots will help the orchid survive, flowers would just sap more limited energy from it.

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2024-11-22

Possibly. Anything living a parasitic tends to be alright with very little roots. Just pinch off all the mush, spray with peroxide mix and replant.

#### Lynda replied on 2024-11-22

Should I also change all the potting mix… soil?  
TIA. 🤗💚🪴

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-11-22

I would, that way there's no possibility of contamination

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-11-22

Just make sure it's a chunky mix. So the roots it still has have aeration

#### Night replied on 2024-11-22

Just to come in here and say orchids are not parasitic. Most are epiphytes like the poster’s phalaenopsis.

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-11-22

Poor word choice. Plant that grows on other plants.

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