How do I know if the roots are rotting?

Healthy orchid roots are firm and often white or green. If they are mushy, brown, or smell bad, they are rotting.

Can I save a plant with root rot?

Yes, if you catch it early enough. Trim the damaged roots, repot in fresh medium, and be very careful with your watering habits moving forward.

Why is my Dracula simia drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the moisture level of the potting medium.
Inspect the roots for signs of decay or rot.
Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Likely causes

Root Rot
Possible
How to tell: The plant wilts even when the medium is wet, and the leaves may feel soft or mushy. The roots will appear brown, slimy, or hollow instead of firm and white.
What to do: Remove the plant from its pot and trim away any mushy or dead roots with sterile scissors. Repot into fresh, well draining orchid mix and improve drainage.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The entire plant looks limp and the leaves lose their turgor pressure. The potting medium will be bone dry and pulling away from the sides of the pot.
What to do: Soak the pot in a bowl of water for 15 minutes to rehydrate the medium thoroughly. Resume your regular watering schedule of every 3 to 7 days.

Find out what's wrong with your monkey face 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

Drooping is a serious sign that the plant's root system is compromised. If the plant does not perk up after a proper watering, it is likely a root health issue.

Stopping it coming back

Ensure the potting medium stays moist but never soggy, and always use a pot with good drainage.

Keep your monkey face orchid healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

How do I know if the roots are rotting?: Healthy orchid roots are firm and often white or green. If they are mushy, brown, or smell bad, they are rotting.
Can I save a plant with root rot?: Yes, if you catch it early enough. Trim the damaged roots, repot in fresh medium, and be very careful with your watering habits moving forward.

Why is my Dracula simia drooping?