Orchid roots differ from each other in color - some of them are light shades, others are dark. Some indoor plant lovers claim that this feature can be used to distinguish between living and dead roots. In fact, in many plant crops, the root system can be completely healthy, but naturally dark brown. Conversely, light, healthy-looking roots after cutting are empty and dry inside. The underground part of plants of yellow or brown color acquires such a "color" from the substrate in which it is located, from some nutrients from the soil and from a lack of light. In general, talking about the health of an indoor flower, focusing only on the color of the roots, is wrong.
Key Signs of Orchid Root Problems
- A viable root is firm and firm.
- The dead root may have a healthy appearance, but it is easily squeezed out when pressed.
- A healthy root with a small necrotic area can lead to the death of the entire plant, as it becomes a carrier of a dangerous infection and is not a full-fledged part of a flower culture. Such a root is not able to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition and all the necessary nutrients.
- One cannot guarantee one hundred percent health of the root part only by the beautiful appearance of the aerial part of the orchid. Root disease can occur at the initial stage without loss of decorativeness and attractiveness of the flower. It is during this period that it is necessary to take measures for salvation. At a later stage, the plant may die.
The main reasons for the withering away of orchid roots
- Frequent and excessive watering, leading to systematic waterlogging of the substrate.
- Insufficient lighting in the room.
- Repeated overdrying of the soil in a flower pot due to untimely watering, especially in the hot summer period.
- Violation of the basic conditions for keeping plants.
- Diseases of fungal or bacterial origin.
- Houseplant age.
How to save an orchid with dead roots
The first thing that needs to be done is to create all the necessary conditions for the plant for full development and growth. If at least one of the points is violated, you need to fix everything immediately.
If problematic roots are found, it is urgent to find living green buds on the underground part of the plant, from which new shoots will appear and the development of a new root system will begin.
To awaken dormant kidneys, it is recommended to use the healing power of ordinary water. The roots of a diseased plant must be immersed in a container of water for 1-2 hours and placed in a bright place (for example, on a windowsill). The air temperature in the room should be about 20 degrees Celsius. After this water procedure, the water must be drained, and the next morning the rhizome of the flower is again immersed in a vessel filled with water.
Daily recovery baths can take a long time - from one month to one year.Experienced flower growers advise 2 times a month, instead of immersing the roots in ordinary water, use a bath with a growth stimulator. The solution is prepared from one liter of water and one drop of a stimulant (for example, "Epina"). In autumn and spring, such procedures are more effective and give more chances for saving the orchid.
Planting a rescued orchid
When new live roots appear, it is recommended to stop all feeding. Young shoots will gain strength in a few days and very quickly add in growth. A plant with roots at least 5 cm long is suitable for planting in an individual flower container. The further development of the indoor pet will depend on proper care and compliance with all conditions of detention.
- Watering the orchid should be carried out only after the substrate has dried. Irrigation water volumes are moderate.
- The most suitable substrate for an orchid consists of the bark of coniferous trees, pure sphagnum and charcoal.
- To maintain the integrity of fragile roots, plants need support in the form of thin sticks. They are immersed in the soil mixture in a pot to the greatest depth, and then the shoots of the flower are tied to the supports.
You can also reanimate a diseased orchid with a greenhouse method. You can make your own greenhouse or purchase it from a specialized store.
