What to do if the root of the spotted tongue orchid rots

Root rot of spotted tongue orchid: improve the quality of nutrient soil

If the nutrient soil has poor air permeability, poor drainage, or is too raw or too mature, it can easily cause root rot in the orchid. At this time, it is necessary to improve the quality of the nutrient soil, enhance the drainage and air permeability in the pot, and improve the soil quality.

Adjust the amount of fertilizer and water appropriately

Do not apply too much fertilizer to the spotted tongue orchid. Fertilizer should be applied in small amounts and multiple times. Otherwise, excessive fertilizer will generate heat and burn the roots, causing rot. Watering should also be moderate. Too much water will cause the nutrient soil to contain too much water, resulting in poor air permeability, difficulty in the root system breathing, and root rot.

Disinfection and timely diagnosis and treatment

During the maintenance of orchids, you should observe them frequently and treat them immediately if any root rot is found.

Take out the plant, remove the rotten roots, rinse the roots with 1% potassium permanganate water for disinfection, or apply some charcoal powder on the affected area, and expose the roots to sunlight in a greenhouse for about 30 minutes. If the rotten roots exceed 50% or are all rotten, use the above method to treat them and then use river sand to promote root growth.

The root-inducing temperature should be higher than the normal temperature, generally controlled at around 22-30℃. In this way, new roots will grow after about 2 months, and then the plant can be transplanted into a nutrient soil pot.

Wild spotted tongue orchids generally grow on the hillsides and valley walls of deep mountains and valleys, on sloping slopes or rock crevices with good water permeability and water retention, next to sparse mountain grass, and in the shade of secondary miscellaneous woods. These places have high humidity and air circulation, so they must be carefully cultivated according to these conditions during home care.