---
title: "I need help! She was given to me as a birthday present, and I am…"
description: "I need help! She was given to me as a birthday present, and I am pretty sure she has root rot"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/poDSjD6TImVeIRD3X4Jicy"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "AryannA"
published: "2025-06-26T23:12:29.785613Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Bb7v8mR9CwRLHudBtAJMZY6Heb6EZkQfR-0zFZDkc8A/ufy2_zlwTYquYu4TSS9ksg.webp?size=large"
---

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# I need help! She was given to me as a birthday present, and I am…

_Posted by AryannA on 2025-06-26_

I need help! She was given to me as a birthday present, and I am pretty sure she has root rot

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Bb7v8mR9CwRLHudBtAJMZY6Heb6EZkQfR-0zFZDkc8A/ufy2_zlwTYquYu4TSS9ksg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Bb7v8mR9CwRLHudBtAJMZY6Heb6EZkQfR-0zFZDkc8A/GZeblD9cTEuFpKKBGUYMGw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Bb7v8mR9CwRLHudBtAJMZY6Heb6EZkQfR-0zFZDkc8A/UyHsZkxOQmuUHjDepD8ISg.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-06-26

The roots are definitely damaged in places, but not visibly rotting. The one at the very bottom looks dried, and the top looks like someone might've used ice cubes on it. Give it a good soak to make the roots flexible. The next day, remove it from its pot and soil, and cut off damaged sections with sterilized cutters. Any rot will be visible, so remove it if it's there. Healthy roots will be either creamy white or green depending on if they've been exposed to light. If you find rot, replace all the soil with new orchid bark and treat the roots with a fungicide. Everything else looks fine so continue watering as normal, just making sure that any excess drains well

### AryannA commented on 2025-06-27

Thank you, I would hate to lose her

### Gracie commented on 2025-06-27

Im new to orchids. I was advised to add 2 ice cubes/ week. Please provide your advice on orchid care/watering. Thank you!

#### Victoria Maddison replied on 2025-06-27

So definitely don’t do that 😅 orchids are tropical plants that grow on the sides of trees which means the crazy cold temperature of ice will shock your plant AND they aren’t meant to be in soil or their roots will suffocate and rot. Unfortunately most places sell them in soil and tell you to put ice cubes, thus killing your plant and making you buy another. Best potting substrate for orchids is bark chips because it provides the airflow those roots need. Also, if you haven’t noticed yet, it’s easy to tell when it needs watering because the roots turn a silvery color when dry and green when hydrated. Just wait until all the roots are silver and that’s when it needs water.

#### Victoria Maddison replied on 2025-06-27

Honestly I just watched a ton of YouTube videos from people who grow orchids

### Mateja commented on 2025-07-03

Wow Victoria I've been struggling with orchids for two years and never heard the roots and watering schedule explained so simply, thank you!!

#### Lex replied on 2025-07-09

i thought the same thing as i’ve had the same orchids for… 5 years 🤦‍♀️

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