What is the cause of orchid roots becoming soft? How to save them

1. Overwatering

Reason: Orchids generally do not require much water, just keep the soil in the plant slightly moist. If the amount of watering is not controlled properly and exceeds the amount that its roots can absorb, the excess water will accumulate in the soil and form waterlogging, which will then affect the roots and slowly soften them.

Measures: It is necessary to remove it from the pot as soon as possible, cut off some bad and rotten roots, and then soak it in potassium permanganate solution or carbendazim solution for 20 to 30 minutes for disinfection. Then take it out and dry it, and replant it in the pot. During the later maintenance, the amount of water should be controlled and watering should be done according to the condition of the potting soil.

2. Too little water

Reason: If the amount of water given to the orchid during daily maintenance is too little and cannot keep up with the water consumption of the plant, resulting in insufficient water supply, the roots of the plant will become soft due to dehydration.

Measures: Water needs to be replenished in time, and the amount of watering should be gradually increased to allow the plant to slowly absorb water and recover.

3. Excessive fertilization

Reason: Orchids do not have a strong demand for fertilizer, but they have strict requirements for fertilization and do not like concentrated fertilizers. The amount of fertilizer applied must be strictly controlled. If too much fertilizer is applied, the plant cannot absorb it, resulting in an excess of nutrients. The residual fertilizer in the potting soil will cause its roots to become soft.

Measures: It is necessary to water it in time to dilute the excess fertilizer in the potting soil and let the excess fertilizer flow out from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Then place it in a ventilated place with scattered light, loosen the soil more, and let the soil in the pot dry as soon as possible.