Dendrobium? No—Phalaenopsis Birthday Gift: Root Rot Rescue

Jan 5 Gift: Blooms Fell, Overwatered, Leaves Yellow, Roots Mushy

2 ft tall, 5 blooms + 1. Blooms fell. Cut spike above 2nd node. Overwatered → 2 lower leaves yellow/fell. 5 green leaves left. Unpotted, cut mushy, cinnamon, glass bowl + paper towel + stones. More black roots. Heart yellow/dry. 2-3 thick green roots. Embarrassed to show nursery.

It's a Phalaenopsis, Not Dendrobium

Easy to repot yourself. No nursery shame needed.

DIY Rescue Repot

1. Buy hobby bark mix (Home Depot/Lowe's: Miracle-Gro, Schultz).
2. Soak mix while prepping plant.
3. Rinse roots, trim ALL mushy.
4. Plastic pot with many holes.
5. Rotate pot lowering roots (prevents breakage).
6. Tap mix to settle. Crown = mix level.
7. Top heavy? Bamboo stakes + ties.
8. East window. Repot annually post-bloom.

You can do this. Phals are forgiving. Learn now—skill for life.