---
title: "Hello! I have an orchid that is super confusing. I rescued it as my…"
description: "Hello! I have an orchid that is super confusing. I rescued it as my first orchid(I know, questionable choice) but she had super gross rotting roots but I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/13aM3DsTxd7dXHYHnr2FJ0"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Mary 🪴"
published: "2025-06-06T23:34:13.649455Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UUt6jHCLAiAI-_jypiuONBt4CEtvjfWm_5T19GI9I-k/HQDjsv2xTketuwv9I4EDxg.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hello! I have an orchid that is super confusing. I rescued it as my…

_Posted by Mary 🪴 on 2025-06-06_

Hello! I have an orchid that is super confusing. I rescued it as my first orchid(I know, questionable choice) but she had super gross rotting roots but I treated her, and she had been doing great until recently. Her leaves are a bit wrinkly and there is a little bit of yellow around the outside of one. But it is confusing because she is growing two new leaves and they look healthy. Please help! I can report if needed but I don’t want to if I don’t have to. Thank you!

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UUt6jHCLAiAI-_jypiuONBt4CEtvjfWm_5T19GI9I-k/HQDjsv2xTketuwv9I4EDxg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/UUt6jHCLAiAI-_jypiuONBt4CEtvjfWm_5T19GI9I-k/z7PBpDUASq2PTxZydHql2g.webp?size=large)

## 7 comments

### Waspinator commented on 2025-06-07

What's that white stuff inside the pot? If it looks like mold, you might have root rot. Other than that, the visible roots are wrinkly/shriveled, which means you might be missing them when watering or not watering often enough

### Mary 🪴 commented on 2025-06-07

The white stuff is course perlite from the orchid mix. So would it be a good idea to water more often? Because I let it soak for a bit everytime I water.

### Mary 🪴 commented on 2025-06-07

And are the shrively leaves a sign of not enough water?

### Waspinator commented on 2025-06-07

Definitely water more often. Shriveling of roots and wrinkling if leaves are a sign that you aren't watering often enough. If it doesn't improve after more frequent watering, look into nutrient deficiencies. Roots also sometimes shrivel temporarily as a stress response after repotting

### Katm3281 commented on 2025-06-07

I have also struggled with orchids. Mine shriveled up just like that and I cut them all off and put the rest in water with fertilizer until the roots grew back which they did. However after a few weeks I put it back in soil and it seems to be dying once again🤦🏻‍♀️

#### jenmehielholly replied on 2025-06-07

Orchids are tricky, but the key to a happy orchid is healthy leaves! Make sure it doesn’t sit in any water. The new leaves will grow in and one the plant is strong enough it will send up a flower spike.

### Waspinator commented on 2025-06-08

Moth orchids are epiphytes (they cling to trees in the wild). They don't really need soil, just water directly on the roots when watering, and a soil type that drains out really well so the roots don't sit in water long term and rot

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