Root Rot in a Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum

• The mottled leaves of the Paphiopedilum bear a leathery texture. Blooming once a year, this orchid also produces waxy flowers that range from solid to striped in any color with the exception of blue and true red. A terrestrial plant, it has creeping roots with pseudo-bulbs, and prefers well-drained ground soil.

Growing Paphiopedilum

• According to Colorado State University, Paphiopedilum requires only moderate to low light and can even grow with broad-spectrum fluorescent light. This particular orchid puts down fewer roots than other varieties, so planting it in well draining potting soil is essential. You can purchase potting mix or even make your own from things like perlite, granulated charcoal, peat moss and redwood bark chips. For added humidity, put water in a pebble tray and place it under the Paphiopedilum pot.

Root Rot

• Root rots in general decay plant material and can cause plant death. Paphiopedilum is susceptible to toot rots like basal rot. Basal rot caused by Pellicularia filamentosa, occurs when potting soil breaks down or if it has poor drainage. Basal rot attacks rhizomes and shrivels the roots, inhibiting the infected plant's ability to absorb water. Signs of root rot include yellow and weak looking foliage.

Preventing Root Rot

• Since root rot occurs in wet soils, making sure the soil does not retain too much moisture is the best prevention method for root rot in a Paphiopedilum. Pick a well draining soil for your plant. If you put a humidity tray under your Paphiopedilum, make sure the pot does not immerse in the water, as it will cause the pot to wick up the water and cause the soil to stay wet. Along with the humidity tray, never let the Paphiopedilum stand in water.

Treating Root Rot

• Re-pot your Paphiopedilum when it shows signs of sickness or sits loosely in the soil. Doing so will give you a chance to check the condition of the roots to see if it has root rot. . Healthy roots appear beige or white in color, while black roots signify root rot. When repotting, remove all the dirt and cut off any roots that look dead and then rinse, letting it soak in a Fongarid solution for two hours. You can also dip the plant in a solution of Tersan, Natriphene or Terraclor to treat the root rot.