How often should I water?

Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the medium first. If it is still damp, wait a few more days.

Can I save a plant with no roots left?

It is very difficult to save an orchid with no roots. You can try to keep it in a humid environment, but success is rare.

Dendrobium Orchid: root rot, causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the potting medium to see if it feels soggy.
Gently lift the plant to see if the roots are firm.
Check if the pot has drainage holes.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The potting medium feels soggy and smells sour. The roots look mushy, brown, or black instead of firm and white or green.
What to do: Remove the orchid from its pot and trim away any dead, mushy roots with sterilized scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, coarse orchid bark that allows for better drainage.
Poor drainage
Possible
How to tell: Water pools at the bottom of the pot after watering. The pot lacks sufficient drainage holes.
What to do: Switch to a pot with plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Ensure the pot is not sitting in a saucer filled with standing water.

Root rot in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dendrobium orchid

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the roots are completely mushy and the stem base is turning black, the plant may be too far gone. If there are still some firm, healthy roots, there is a good chance for recovery.

Stopping it coming back

Always wait until the potting medium is nearly dry to the touch before watering again. Use a chunky bark mix that allows air to reach the roots.

Dendrobium Orchid: root rot? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dendrobium orchid and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

How often should I water?: Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the medium first. If it is still damp, wait a few more days.
Can I save a plant with no roots left?: It is very difficult to save an orchid with no roots. You can try to keep it in a humid environment, but success is rare.

How do I fix root rot on my Dendrobium orchid?