How to save an orchid, which has dried roots - we understand why this happens and what to do

The root system of orchids is significantly different from other indoor plants. She play a major role in the development of the flower. The special structure of the roots requires careful care.

A common occurrence for orchids is the drying of the roots. This problem should be solved competently and promptly. In this article, we will analyze why the roots dry on an orchid, show you a photo of this problem and tell you what care should be at home so that they do not dry completely.

The role of the root system

A feature of the structure of the roots of the orchid is the substance velamen, which is like a sponge. Velamen is a non-living coarse tissue filled with air. The functions of this substance are to absorb and retain water, nutrients. Velamen can also absorb moisture from the air, and in a period of drought, nourish the plant.

What is the danger of drying out?

Roots are an important organ of plants, in particular orchids. They nourish the plant with liquid, minerals, participate in the process of photosynthesis. Orchids are known to have aerial and internal roots.. The drying out of certain rhizomes is a signal that the plant is not healthy.

You should immediately understand why the roots in the pot and air (those that are located on the plant above) dry out, and then do something to solve the problem. In the opposite case, the roots and the flower itself awaits death.

Without roots, the orchid can be reanimated, but the process is longmay be delayed for six months and not always successful. Therefore, it is better not to bring this up, because root problems are fraught with serious consequences, up to the loss of a beloved pet.

Why does a plant get sick?

The most common causes of rhizome malaise are:

• lack of life-giving moisture;
• improper diet of the plant;
• poor soil quality;
• inappropriate pot size;
• mechanical damage to the roots;
• temperature and humidity conditions do not meet the norm;
• use of hard water;
• infection damage;
• natural aging process.

Diagnostics

Indeed, dry rhizomes do not bring any benefit to the plant. But to determine whether this shoot is alive or not is sometimes difficult even for experienced gardeners. Healthy roots:

1. thick ones;
2. smooth structure;
3. dense;
4. green, although the color may change under the influence of the substrate and mineral fertilizers.

To make sure that the root system is alive, it is worth taking the plant out of the pot, placing it in water for a couple of hours. Healthy parts will get the above appearance. Dry, sluggish, pale processes safely remove.

What to do if the roots dry out?

Orchid needs regular inspection. If the flower is planted in a transparent container, this is easy to do. When changing the color of the roots, it is worth paying attention to the conditions of the plant in order to determine - what caused it. Next, consider what to do if the roots have dried up, depending on the causes of this problem.

Lack of moisture

Lack of fluid can occur when there is no watering at all. A plant needs a minimum amount of water, which dissolves the minerals found in the soil and nourishes the root system.

Action taken:

1. we extract an orchid from a flowerpot;
2. immersed in a basin with water until the clay coma is deoxidized;
3. water should not fall on the leaves;
4. return back to the pot;
5. we control the irrigation regime;
6. if necessary, you can update the soil.

Oversupply

When feeding orchids, carefully analyze the condition of the soil. Do not fertilize directly on the root system and in dry soil. In this case, the flower can get burns of the roots, which leads to their drying and death. Consider what to do with dried roots in this case. So that the plant does not completely suffer, it should:

1. get a flower from the pot;
2. soak the roots in warm, clean water;
3. trim damaged areas;
4. treat slices with an antiseptic;
5. transplant into new soil and place in a well-lit place;
6. You can fertilize after 2 weeks with weakly concentrated preparations.

Watch a video about burnt orchid roots after improper fertilizer:

Hard water burns

Such troubles happen when using unfiltered, hard water as irrigation. At the same time, a significant amount of salts accumulate in the soil, which change its composition and prevent the penetration of air. As a result - a white coating on the soil and rhizome.

Action taken:

1. rinse a potted flower under running water;
2. remove damaged root parts, if any;
3. change the substrate;
4. moisten with exclusively soft, settled or purified water.

Low humidity

This reason provokes many diseases and health problems of orchids. When dry air withers, leaves and buds dry, the root system. Infectious diseases also like low humidity environments.

Action taken:

1. increase humidity to a level of 50-60%;
2. rinse the orchid in the shower;
3. spray regularly about 5 times a day.

Infectious diseases

Dry roots can also be symptoms of infection of fungal, viral, bacterial infections. If so, it is important to find out exactly what disease is taking place. Other negative factors must also appear.

When treating infections, orchids adhere to standard rules.:

1. creation of optimal comfort conditions;
2. move the diseased plant away from healthy flowers;
3. remove damaged areas of the plant;
4. sprinkle cut points with activated charcoal;
5. spray the orchid with an aqueous fungicide solution.

Mechanical damage

An unpleasant factor for the health of orchids is damage to the root system. This happens quite often, because aerial roots are fragile. In principle, it’s okay if the plant feels good.

Action taken:

1. maintaining optimal temperature and humidity conditions;
2. trim dry root;
3. disinfect the damaged area;
4. feed the plant with mineral fertilizers, for speedy recovery.

How to save should not?

Sometimes it happens that the owners of orchids confuse the living and nonliving roots. As a result, they make a mistake by trimming a healthy root. By such actions, the plant can be severely damaged, infect with diseases.

Watch the video about the difference between living and nonliving orchid roots:

Prevention of Re-Disease

To avoid such unpleasant situations is possible only with proper care of the orchid:

• Maintaining a comfortable temperature in summer: + 22-25ºС, in winter + 16-18ºС. The difference in temperature differences should not exceed 5ºС.
• Lighting is required diffused, with a daylight duration of 14 hours.
• Choose a pot that fits the flower in size.
• Humidity within 50-60%. Be sure to regularly ventilate the room.
• Renew substrate every 2-3 years.
• Water once a week, in between the soil should completely dry.
• Water temperature should be 35-40ºС.
• Spray 5 times a day. Exclude the procedure during the flowering period.

Conclusion

The correct orchid content will eliminate the possibility of getting sick with various ailments. And the root system will be strong, not subject to drying out and decay. It is also important to adjust the care depending on the time of year and on the condition of the plant.