Don’t discard that struggling orchid just yet! With this simple, natural method—featuring garlic-cinnamon decoction, baking-soda bath, dry moss repotting, and rice water nutrients—you’ll restore your plant’s health and encourage year-round blooms.
Identifying Root Rot
Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, wilting, weak growth
Rotten Roots: Dark, mushy, foul-smelling
Healthy Roots: Firm, white or green
Step 1: Remove Damaged Roots
Gently lift the orchid from its pot.
Inspect and cut away all brown, slimy roots with sterilized scissors.
Make clean cuts to prevent further infection.
Step 2: Disinfect with Baking Soda
Rinse remaining roots under clean water to remove debris.
In a jar, dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in 2 L water.
Soak roots for 10 minutes—baking soda’s natural antibacterial action halts pathogens.
Air-dry roots briefly before repotting.
Step 3: Repot in Dry, Sterilized Moss
Choose a clean pot and add a handful of dry, sterilized moss.
Position the orchid so healthy roots contact the moss.
Gently pack moss around roots—avoid over-tight packing to ensure airflow.
Step 4: Create a Recovery Environment
Location: Cool, shaded spot with good air circulation
First Week: Do not water—allow root wounds to heal
Step 5: Resume Watering
