How to Change Orchid Soil If Roots Are Rotting

Remove your orchid from its pot by supporting the plant and inverting the pot. Tug gently if the orchid won't come out of the pot. Cut the sides of a plastic pot to remove an entrapped orchid. A foul smell emanating from the orchid or its potting medium indicates root rot; this is caused by too much water and/or insufficient drainage. Florists may add sphagnum moss or other material to enhance the appearance of potted flowering orchids, but these can inhibit the air circulation required for healthy roots.

Moisten and drain the new potting medium. Fill the new orchid pot about half full. Don't pack the potting medium into the pot, but fill it loosely. Remove the orchid from its current soil by gently shaking or wiping away the decaying potting medium. Inspect the orchid and clip away rotting roots and yellowing foliage. Remove rotting portions of otherwise healthy leaves and roots, but be careful not to over trim the orchid and its roots. Gently dry the orchid by wrapping it in paper towels. Place the plant into its new pot and determine if more potting medium is needed, based on leaving about an inch between the surface of the growing medium and the rim of the pot. Adjust the potting medium as necessary and arrange more potting medium around the orchid's roots.

Stake your orchid using florist's stakes or bamboo stakes of appropriate size. Fasten twist ties or tie florist's tape gently around the orchid's main stem and secure it to the stake in two or three places as needed for holding the orchid upright. Resist any temptation to water the orchid. It needs time to dry out and regenerate healthy root structures. Orchids typically die of over watering more often than dying of thirst. Place your orchid in diffused sunlight and water it in a week to 10 days. Check for proper drainage and don't allow your orchid to soak in standing water.