TheNaturePlanet

Orchid lovers, don't panic when you see the heart of your Phalaenopsis rotting! With early detection and proper treatment, there's a good chance to nurse it back to health. Here's a step-by-step guide to save your beloved orchid, whether it's in the office or at home.

---

### 1. Immediate Action: Stop the Spread
The heart of a Phalaenopsis is where nutrients and water concentrate, so rot can spread quickly. First, "cut the losses".

- Thoroughly remove the rot: Use a disinfected scissor or craft knife. Gently pry open the rotted area and cut out all brown, soft, slimy tissues. It's okay to take a bit of healthy tissue to avoid leaving any pathogens, which can cause recurrence.
- Disinfect the wound right away: After trimming, dust the cut with carbendazim powder or spray with thiophanate-methyl solution to evenly cover the surface. Then place the orchid in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun to air-dry for 1–2 days until the wound is dry and crispy before the next step.

---

### 2. Repotting and Recovery Care
After the emergency treatment, give your orchid a "new, comfortable home" and adjust the care to help it regain strength.

- Soak and disinfect the roots: If the roots also look wilted or blackened, soak them in a diluted carbendazim solution for 30 minutes before repotting. Then air-dry the roots to avoid wetting the new medium and causing further rot.
- Replace with breathable medium: Discard the old medium, which may harbor pathogens. Use a well-draining mix like "broken tiles + pine bark". Line the bottom with broken tiles for better drainage, and top with aged pine bark for aeration and slow-release nutrients. Choose a breathable terracotta or perforated plastic pot, and avoid overly deep or large pots that can trap moisture.
- Control water and light: In the early stage after repotting, the orchid is weak. No fertilizing and no direct sun, or it could get worse. Water with "small amounts, multiple times" to keep the medium slightly moist. Mist around the leaves早晚 to increase humidity, but avoid getting water on the heart and the wound. Once new shoots or roots appear, gradually increase light and resume normal care.

---

### 3. Severe Root Rot? Try Hydroponics!
If the rot has spread to the roots and most are black and rotted, hydroponics might bring it back.

- First, trim all rotted roots and heart tissues as before. Soak and air-dry. Then prepare clean sphagnum moss: soak, squeeze out excess water, gently wrap the roots, and place in a breathable, clear container. Mist the moss 1–2 times a day to keep it moist. In about 1–2 months, white hydroponic roots should appear. When they reach 3–5 cm, you can transfer back to soil-based medium.

---

### 4. Isolation and Prevention
Even if the orchid seems recovered, don't put it back with other orchids right away. Isolate it for at least 3 months, monitoring the heart, leaves, and roots for any signs of recurrence. Only when there's no sign of disease should you mix it with other plants to prevent cross-infection. 😊

If you have any questions or need more detailed advice, feel free to share a photo of your orchid's condition.