How to Troubleshoot Overwatering Phalaenopsis

Overwatering a phalaenopsis, or orchid, is one of the fastest ways to kill it. It leads to root rot, which in turn prevents water and nutrients from traveling up to the rest of the plant. This will make the leaves look yellow or shriveled, which is also a sign of underwatering. The flowers may also fall off if you have overwatered. To troubleshoot this issue, check the plant to make sure you really are overwatering before you take any steps.

Knife
Rubbing alcohol
Orchid bark mix
Orchid pot
3 ice cubes

Instructions

- 1
  Pick the pot up and check the saucer underneath it. If there is standing water in the saucer, you have overwatered the orchid. Feel the potting mix. If it is soggy, that is another indication that you have overwatered.
- 2
  Dump out the soggy potting mix and look at the roots. Rotted roots from severe overwatering will be black, gray or mushy.
- 3
  Remove the orchid from its container. Dip a knife in alcohol to sterilize it, and use it to cut off any rotted roots. If there are no rotted roots, brush off as much of the soggy potting mix as you can.
- 4
  Lower the orchid into a new pot that has drainage holes. Fill the pot with orchid potting bark. Place three ice cubes on top of the bark to water it.

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