Pseudobulb and Root Problems

Roots are mushy or hollow

This is due to a cultural (how you grow it) problem. The orchid is planted in a medium that stays too wet for too long (also known as overwatering). Repot the plant in better-draining media, and reduce sphagnum moss. Treat the roots with fungicide...

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Roots are black or brown

Root tips are black or brown, but the rest of the root is fine

When the root tips die, it’s never a good sign. Usually, black root tips are from a salt toxicity or other toxicity problem, but can be from drying out too much. Give the plant a flush and increase favorable conditions for the plant.

Root lengths are black or brown, but the root is firm and solid

This could be from a light fungal infection, but is usually from low humidity or age, especially if the roots are dry. Treat with a fungicide and increase humidity

Roots are brown, but firm and wet

Roots are too wet and are about to rot out. Repot the plant in drier media.

Roots are some color other than black, or brown

Roots are white with a green tip

This is normal for most orchids

Roots or root tips are orange, purple, pink, or some other color that is not green, white, black, yellow, or brown

This is normal for certain species. Some species, such as Aerangis hildebrandtii, have orange/copper-colored roots and root tips. Various Vandaceous orchids may have purple or pink root tips, which usually indicate the color of the flowers.

Roots are shriveling

Mounted or hanging/exposed roots and sometimes the plants are shriveling no matter how often you water it

This is from a salt-deficiency. Place the orchid in a fertilizer-rich dip and soak the plant for a few hours, repeating 2x a week. Some growers can remedy this with a soak in a solution of epsom salts.

Roots are shriveling

This is due to low humidity or infrequent watering. Increase the frequency of watering.

Pseudobulbs are wrinkling

With fine wrinkles

The plant is either in lower humidity than it likes, or it is becoming dehydrated. You should water it and/or increase the humidity.

With larger wrinkles

In some plants, especially those of the Oncidium Alliance, ribbed or grooved pseudobulbs are natural as the pseudobulb matures. Grooved pseudobulbs, especially those that are also becoming thinner indicates the plant has been growing with dehydration...

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Pseudobulbs are turning brown or blackish yellow from the base

Root rot

Pseudobulbs give rise to a blind sheath or an unexpected leaf

If a blind sheath

The conditions for flowering are not met. Research the history and the culture/care of the plant that you are trying to bloom. The grower where you purchased the plant from might know. For orchids that require a resting period, their rest may not ...

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If an unexpected leaf instead of a sheath or bud

Sheaths are modified leaves and reversion to a leaf, either partially or completely, is not all that rare, and a definitive cause has not yet been established. The science suggests that it may be hormonal, but nothing is conclusive yet. Others sugg...

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Roots are mushy or hollow

Roots are mushy or hollow

Roots are black or brown

Root tips are black or brown, but the rest of the root is fine

Root lengths are black or brown, but the root is firm and solid

Roots are brown, but firm and wet

Roots are some color other than black, or brown

Roots are white with a green tip

Roots or root tips are orange, purple, pink, or some other color that is not green, white, black, yellow, or brown

Roots are shriveling

Mounted or hanging/exposed roots and sometimes the plants are shriveling no matter how often you water it

Roots are shriveling

Pseudobulbs are wrinkling

With fine wrinkles

With larger wrinkles

Pseudobulbs are turning brown or blackish yellow from the base

Root rot

Pseudobulbs give rise to a blind sheath or an unexpected leaf

If a blind sheath

If an unexpected leaf instead of a sheath or bud

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Pseudobulb and Root Problems

Roots are mushy or hollow

Roots are black or brown

Roots are some color other than black, or brown

Roots are shriveling

Pseudobulbs are wrinkling

Pseudobulbs are turning brown or blackish yellow from the base

Pseudobulbs give rise to a blind sheath or an unexpected leaf

Need More Help?

Orchid Care

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You May Be Interested In

Orchid Care

ORCHIDS Magazine

OrchidPro

Webinars

Find a Local Orchid Club

Top Orchid Vendors

Orchid Conservation

Become a Member

Love Orchids?