Orchid root fungus is a fairly common ailment. Root fungus is caused by either fungal invasion lack of aeration and proper drainage, or overwatering during the initial growing season. When you find that your orchid has a fungus growing on its roots, don’t despair. In most cases it can be cured without any special care. All you have to do is prepare the appropriate environment for your orchid. If the reason for the fungus is mechanical infection, you first need to apply an anti-fungal herbicide.

Watering is very important. Excess moisture makes the roots decay, which results in the loss of the foliage. Orchids cannot handle too much water and will drown their leaves and flowers. Orchids are not naturally bothered by dryness, but they are more susceptible to rot if they are constantly exposed to moisture. Excess moisture from rain or improper watering causes the roots to curl upward, creating space for fungus growth.

You can cure root rot successfully by placing the orchid in a shallow dish of water. Make sure that there is at least 1 inch of water covering the top of the pot. Place the pot in a sunny window or in a room with indirect sunlight. Do not let your orchids get too hot as this will encourage the growth of fungus as well as rotting of the root system. Monitor the conditions of your orchids periodically to make sure that they are getting the proper amount of water.

To prevent water loss and to keep fungus growth at a minimum, you should mulch your orchids. It is important to mulch them in the spring, just as you would mulch your garden plants. The mulch will absorb water and nutrients from the roots of your plants, thus keeping them healthy. If you want to protect your orchids against soil compaction, you should use an organic mulch. Organic mulches are not processed or refined, so they are safe for your plants.

If your orchids start leaking water, they are probably suffering from excess moisture. Excessive moisture is the number one enemy of orchids, whether they are growing in the soil or in a potted container. Excess water will also damage the roots and prevent them from growing into strong, sturdy aerial roots. If your orchids are not receiving enough moisture, there is a good chance that they are not receiving the proper nutrients to encourage growth.

Orchids, like all plants, need water and nutrients to grow, but orchids especially need extra moisture. Their roots cannot grow without it. You should give them a good amount of water during the day but check the humidity level before you put them in a container or pot. The humidity level should be around 60%. When watering your orchids, pour water over the entire roots system, making sure to pick up the water and then blot the area dry. Do not over water.

Another way to help ensure the health of your orchids is by removing any dead or decaying material from your potting media. Remove any debris from your pots and repot them into a new container. Do not repot the orchid into the same pot that you grew it in. Potting media that has been used once will contain chemicals and fungi that can harm your orchids.

A simple method of checking for a healthy orchid is to gently press your fingers directly on the stem orchid. If it feels safe, the plant is in a healthy condition. On the other hand, if the orchid has a rough stem or is sickly looking, it may need a thorough reporting. A repotted orchid will require you to water it more than a fresh orchid. If you are reporting several plants at a time, remember to allow each plant plenty of drying time before removing it from its original container.