---
title: "I’ve had this orchid for a while and killed it with overwatering even…"
description: "I’ve had this orchid for a while and killed it with overwatering even though I was using wood chip “soil”. I’m pretty sure it’s a goner but it’s been like this…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/e5CDTEI9UUHiDQg9QtFoYA?language=it"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Jenn"
published: "2025-04-29T18:14:29.112719Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/k4IqDqrc6xOlWU6b0FW11Xh2mLCUX0JtgKwym--jisc/xQVLf7FyS4OVieqNHoFZ_g.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md?language=it) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md?language=it)

# I’ve had this orchid for a while and killed it with overwatering even…

_Pubblicato da Jenn il 2025-04-29_

I’ve had this orchid for a while and killed it with overwatering even though I was using wood chip “soil”. I’m pretty sure it’s a goner but it’s been like this for over 3 months, is there any way to save it? The leaves not dying for that long gives me hope. I change the water every 3 weeks or so but add more plus hydrogen peroxide for oxygen

![Allegato 1 di 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/k4IqDqrc6xOlWU6b0FW11Xh2mLCUX0JtgKwym--jisc/xQVLf7FyS4OVieqNHoFZ_g.webp?size=large)

![Allegato 2 di 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/k4IqDqrc6xOlWU6b0FW11Xh2mLCUX0JtgKwym--jisc/HWK1vde1Rh-OaRxLKqHocw.webp?size=large)

## 6 commenti

### Bebra ha commentato il 2025-04-29

Cut down the mushy/dead roots, get yourself a clear plastic pot, and put it in a sphagnum moss substrate.  
With a clear plastic pot, you’ll see when to water it and also you’ll see the root development.  
It’s gonna take a while until it fully recovers, so give it some time. Don’t forget to give the orchid a good light (not to much and not to little) and some humidity (if you live in a dry area). Also, start fertilizing after 3-5 weeks to get the roots going.

One more thing. Stop using hydrogen peroxide. It should be used only in severe cases, once, diluted, and not more than for 5 minutes. It’s used to get rid of bacteria and mold/fungus and afterward potted up the same day or the day after.

#### Jenn ha risposto il 2025-04-29

Thank you so much! I really thought it was a goner but I’m so glad to hear that there’s some hope. I’ll give it as much time as it needs and will follow your advice to a T

#### Jenn ha risposto il 2025-05-24

Hi! I just want to thank you for your advice and give a quick update. I followed most of your advice but I also placed some wood chips with the moss and put it in on a sunny window. It’s been a month and the outer leaf died but there is a new baby leaf and I see an air root!!! The “dead” moss has even come back to life!

So thank you so much for giving me hope and advice and fingers crossed I will be able to continue rehabilitating my orchid :)

#### Bebra ha risposto il 2025-05-24

Hi! Thank you so much for the update - that’s amazing to hear!  
Keep going, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need more help along the way. Fingers crossed for continued growth and blooms!:)

### Bebra ha commentato il 2025-04-29

Also, if you see the bottom part rotting - better to cut it.  
Use clean scissors for any cuts, preferably cleaned with rubbing alcohol.  
Apply some cinnamon on all the cuts (roots, base, leaves) before potting up your orchid. Cinnamon prevents infection and rot.  
And yeah, good luck! Hopefully it will survive, thrive and give you many years of happiness;)

#### Jenn ha risposto il 2025-04-29

Thank you! Yes I’ve used cinnamon with other plants with success so good point

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