I moved my orchid to water after hearing others’ success stories with this. I cut off what I believe are the dead roots and am changing the water daily while the rest of the soil comes off. But I’m not sure if there are other roots that need to go. Some are pale yellow and/or have black spots. Any advice what should stay and what should go?
They look really good! Yellow, white and green roots are good! As long as there isn’t any squishy ones, I think it will be fine!
0 likes Thank you!!!
0 likesPale and yellow can be okay, just monitor them. I believe you want just the tips of your roots to be submerged though, not the entire thing.
1 like Thank you! I’ll look into this. But what about the little baby roots close to the plant you think?
0 likesThey should be fine. Orchid roots are like sponges, so the roots in the water should be absorbing enough for the plant to be healthy and continue to grow those shorter roots until they’re at the water level.
1 like I’m also thinking about doing this! I just purchased some seriously marked down orchids from Walmart. They went from $24 to $5! So I got a healthy one and then got one that looked like it needed rescuing. It’s got more dead flowers then healthy BUT, the roots look fantastic!
1 like Amazing!! This one was dormant when I got it off of my Buy Nothing group - it had a beautiful growth at the top recently and then broke it when it fell I was so upset but I hope it can be revived!!
0 likes
You may want to lower the water or try and aerate it. Orchids’ roots need oxygen to survive since they’re epiphytic (live in trees).
0 likes Thank you! Yes since this post I actually dried it a couple of days and then only did the bottom like @GreenLeaf suggested
1 like
Here are some friendly tips on how to lovingly care for your orchid when removing dead roots: 1. **Be Gentle with Your Orchid:** Your orchid's roots are delicate, so it's important to handle them with care. 2. **Take a Close Look at the Roots:** Before removing any roots, take a moment to closely examine them. Look out for roots that appear brown, shriveled, or mushy – these are likely the ones that need to be trimmed. 3. **Prepare Your Tools:** Make sure to use clean and sharp scissors or shears. It's a good idea to sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a flame to keep everything hygienic. 4. **Trimming the Roots:** When you're ready to trim the dead roots, gently take your orchid out of its pot. Shake off any old soil and identify the roots that need to be trimmed. Trim them off carefully at the base, making sure to leave healthy roots untouched. 5. **Inspect and Care for the Remaining Roots:** After removing the dead roots, take a closer look at the remaining ones. If you notice any signs of damage or disease, consider treating them gently with a fungicide or a sprinkle of cinnamon. 6. **Rehousing Your Orchid:** If your orchid has lost a lot of roots, it might benefit from being repotted in fresh orchid mix. Choose a well-draining mix to keep your orchid happy. 7. **Water Wisely:** When you water your orchid post-trimming, remember not to overwater. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. 8. **Create a Cozy Environment:** orchids love high humidity and bright, indirect light. Place your orchid in a spot with good airflow and consider using a humidity tray to keep it happy. Remember, plants have their own pace, so keep an eye on your orchid after the trim to make sure it's adjusting well. Your moth orchid will surely appreciate the extra love and care you're giving it!
1 like