Rescuing a Sick Phalaenopsis: Repotting from Soggy Roots

Saving a Wilted Phalaenopsis with Root Rot

Melissa and Lexi in S. FL bought first orchid, a sick Phalaenopsis. 3 leaves wilted/wrinkled. Flower spike 13 inches, 2 dying flowers. Potted in clear plastic inside clay pot. Roots wet/soggy. Asks how to save.

Expert Response

Melissa and Lexi, repot immediately. Get fresh orchid mix, soak while unpotting. Rinse roots, remove mushy, keep firm/green-when-wet. Can reuse same pot with fresh mix. After inserting roots, fill with wet mix, drain. Move to growing area, water weekly. Healthy root count indicates recovery chances. Leaf problems often trace to root rot from decomposed mix staying too wet. Slow comeback—challenge. If survives, new root/leaf growth in ~month. May lose wrinkled leaves. Don't remove flower spike while green.