---
title: "Unfortunately, my 1st orchid has gone through massive struggles.…"
description: "Unfortunately, my 1st orchid has gone through massive struggles. Although, I notice with some of my others, when I water them they start to form this white…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/uphaRbMa4AoJfJMDUJo4hX"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "WannabPlantMom"
published: "2025-09-04T15:13:41.375823Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/XAutl7Ed-j0qG1tJNQ-pCAH5VfTcLIuDM9aW75gMN58/G9KM5IjAQgGLMcO4WUKvKw.webp?size=large"
---

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# Unfortunately, my 1st orchid has gone through massive struggles.…

_Posted by WannabPlantMom on 2025-09-04_

Unfortunately, my 1st orchid has gone through massive struggles. Although, I notice with some of my others, when I water them they start to form this white fluffy mold. Hydrogen peroxide looks like it dries out/doesn’t help the plant, so i’m left with not really knowing what to do? Possibly more wood instead of moss, but then my orchids dry out. Maybe that’s better though- as i’ll just water it more 🤔

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/XAutl7Ed-j0qG1tJNQ-pCAH5VfTcLIuDM9aW75gMN58/G9KM5IjAQgGLMcO4WUKvKw.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/XAutl7Ed-j0qG1tJNQ-pCAH5VfTcLIuDM9aW75gMN58/-pVhXpwgTBmMUFLJq5WAkQ.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Hannah commented on 2025-09-04

I’ve dealt with mold issues before. What I would do is completely replace all of your moss/wood that is contaminated, wash the pot, and make sure your plant is clean, then you can repot it with fresh orchid soil. I would also recommend searching your other plants for mold, since this particular kind is airborne. Hope this helps ☺️

### Hannah commented on 2025-09-04

Also, something that can cause mold issues high humidity. So be sure to not overwater the plant, whilst making sure that the moisture is kept up 😊

#### WannabPlantMom replied on 2025-09-04

Thank you so much! I didn’t even think of it being airborne 🤔 Definitely will take this advice!!!

### Waspinator commented on 2025-09-04

That orchid, if it's still alive, is severely dehydrated. Soak its roots (only the roots!) in water for 30 minutes to an hour (tbh you could soak a whole day; it's that thirsty. This'll also make any roots more flexible for repotting) Then make sure it drains and dries completely. Then treat with hydrogen peroxide (it doesn't take much and it's normal for it to dry immediately. This you can get on the stem, just wipe off any excess if it doesn't dry quickly.) Pot in fresh orchid bark, with the tops of the roots exposed to air (they can photosynthesize, which will help while it works on a new leaf.) I suggest going with no sphagnum and just watering often (about once every 2-4 days, just never get water on the stem/crown!) Also you can probably downsize the pot; too-big pots take longer to dry between waterings and can be a cause of rot

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-09-04

And with the peroxide, treat every other day or every three days until signs of rot are gone. Overdoing it can hurt the plant

#### WannabPlantMom replied on 2025-09-04

Thank you so much! This is really helpful!!

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