Phalaenopsis Dying Leaves: Root Rot Diagnosis and Rescue

Dying Leaves = Root Rot. Act Now.

Phalaenopsis with dying leaves: symptom of root rot from poor aeration/drainage.

Rescue Steps

1. Buy fir bark orchid mix.
2. Soak while unpotting.
3. Remove all mushy roots—keep only firm.
4. Repot in drained pot.
5. East window, dry 7–10 days, then weekly water.

Root Rot Causes

• Old decomposed mix → no air, holds water.
• Sphagnum moss compacts → same result.
• Annual repotting in fir bark prevents this.

Recovery takes months. New roots and leaves will come.