Black Rot On Orchids: What it is, How it Gets There, and How to Treat It

Black spots that start small but soon take over an entire leaf are common orchid problems called Black Rot. If not controlled soon, Black Rot will travel form the leaf down toward the crown, killing the pseudobulb, rhizome, and roots. This fungus, along with others in its family like Pythium ultimum which also cause Black Rot, is extremely fast-spreading. If not treated, within two weeks your orchid could be dead.If you want the full explanation of this video in writing, go to orchideria.com...
On Orchideria.com, you can find more in-depth guides and all the access to our information, tutorials, guides, and much more... all for free!
Happy Cultivating!
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DISCLAIMER:
This KZbin Channel is the by-product of extensive research on how to recreate that environment inside my home.
By no means do I consider myself an expert but I'm an avid learner and willing to share the little I know with others. There are thousands of different ways to care for orchids, and the more we share, the more we learn.
What started out as a hobby has now grown into a passion, producing an online resource of quality information on how to connect with nature.
If you'd like to see the uncommon story of my life and how I ended up overseas in the first place, check out my memoir on Amazon, Shattered Sanctuary.
( amzn.to/3oFnt99 )
Also, I just released my new orchid book, Orchid Journey. You can find it on Amazon by clicking here: amzn.to/3fZKX7J .
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Orchideria.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, with no extra cost to you. By clicking on the link provided in the description or comments, I earn an extra cup of coffee.
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Image Credit:
Usually my videos are made with all my photos and videos, but in certain videos, like this one, I don't have an orchid with black rot. So I had to rely on creative commons and pictures that are in public domain to illustrate my points. I still would like to credit these amazing photographers, so my shout out goes to: "'Awa: Pythium Root Rot -- wilt of mature plant" "'Awa: Pythium Root Rot -- rotten stump", and "'Awa: Pythium Root Rot -- blackened roots, same plant as #87", all by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0.
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Music Credit:
County Lines, by Delicate Steve

[@davidjupiter8943]

Hey, it's good to see that your channel getting subscribers

[@Orchideria]

Hi David, Thanks for watching! And yes, I'm growing as a channel! Yay! 😊😊

[@michaeldavis4746]

Dear Ms. Mathews, I want to say that it is very obvious that you love your beautiful Orchids and you are exceptionally well educated about them. Your humbleness about not being an expert on these plants belies your incredible knowledge about these plants. Recently, my son gave me an orchid bought from Kroger in Southern Indiana. The plant seems to be doing very well and was bought in bloom. It has only one central leader for its leaves. I know very little about this plant otherwise. This is my first Orchid. But I have been involved with many flowers, propagation, and tea roses for years. Of course, Black Rot and Powdery Mildew are some of their problems too especially with the hybrid tea roses. Your videos are very illuminating and have watched each of them more than once. I sincerely thank you for the time and effort you have made by making your videos your videos available to us! Now, here are a few questions for you Ms. Mathews. What would be the best fertilizer to use on this orchid? I am presently using Schultz Liquid fertilizer with 7 drops in one quart of lukewarm water. NPK is 10-15-10 but contains 8.2% Urea Nitrogen which may be a problem for Orchids. Also, I wonder where I can purchase the little plastic clips that are used to clip the flowering stem to the bamboo support? I have subscribed to all of your videos and am serious about learning more about these incredibly beautiful plants. Thank you again! I cannot think of a better teacher than you!

[@memorydandaroy1618]

Excellent video.

[@Orchideria]

Thank you

[@loribadgero1035]

Amanda, I appreciate all your information so much!! Thank you.😊🤗👍🪴

[@indianb1918]

Very clear expiation. Thanks.

[@anasuyaphukan2898]

Hi Amanda................................................................. Can you give some tips for decaying of orchid leaves my orchid leaves are decaying one by one........................... It's my dendrobium!!!!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Anasuya, Do you know what kind of dendrobium it is? Most dendeobiums have a long dormancy cycle and the leaves will naturally shrivel and fall off. If it is a Den-phal, than it shouldn't do that

[@anasuyaphukan2898]

OK so if our orchids are willing to die can we transfer the plant to water is it a good way, being a beginner I'm really not having any idea, and will our leaves burn if it comes in contact with water

[@Orchideria]

Hi Anasuya, I've only done water culture with Phals, not dendrobiums. They could do water culture, but I still suggest the bark and sphagnum moss. I know people who successfully have done water culture with dendrobiums though. I'm just not sure how you would control the dormancy cycle and water levels. I'll check it out and get back to you.

[@anasuyaphukan2898]

Tqsm for ur kind replies

[@nancyjohnston4661]

You are great. You provide so much information. I just found your channel and I love it.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Nancy, I appreciate your comment and thank you for watching. :) If there is anything I can help with, don't hesitate to ask.

[@thebobbyeleigh]

Was really, really helpful! I had no idea what was happening and it really was very quick. My orchid looked beautiful and perfect for months and I looked away for a week and it was almost completely black. Thank you for such a clear and thorough explanation of what’s happening. I will be back for more information when I get a new guy and I will not be using the same pot!

[@ivetm2523]

Great video! Thank you for useful information 👍🏻😊

[@Orchideria]

Hi Iveta! Thank you for watching. I appreciate it

[@brendaperez8581]

Love this video. Thank you. I am new to growing orchids and lost one to crown rot. I tried to save it searching for videos, but nothing saved it.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Brenda, crown rot is extremely difficult to treat. I'm glad the video helped.

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

Oh those humidifiers can get so junky and need a good sanitation weekly. It is one of my most hated orchid chores. Thanks for sharing.

[@Orchideria]

Oh, I wish I were so lucky to live in a place where I didn't need a humidifier. I guess it's just part of life...

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

@@Orchideria well the downside is your home smells musty every time you leave then come back to it. We used to live in Arizona and well I loved it but it was so darn hot.

[@sajeevimahanaga1168]

Oh 😕 this happened to me now I know thank you amend Great video 🙏

[@Orchideria]

Hi Sajeevi, Oh no... I hope your orchid recovers. Thanks for watching.

[@nicolewildman8976]

Hello Amanda 😊 This was a great video. A few months ago I lost 2 cattleyas to black rot. I was so afraid to buy another one but I really wanted a cattleya in my collection. Two weeks ago I bought another one but this time I mounted it on my mango tree and sprayed it with a neem oil solution as a precautionary measure. I am so nervous as I don't want to lose it. Thanks again for the information, I'm learning a lot. Warm greetings from the Caribbean 😎🌴☀

[@Orchideria]

Hey Nicole! Thank you for watching! Usually mounted orchids have a better chance of not getting black rot since they get aired out, so you did the right thing!

[@evasetyo2314]

Thank you Amanda. Its very helpful.

[@splilya]

Thank you, Amanda! Great video!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Liliya! Thanks for watching! I appreciate it! 😊🙏

[@barblucas2539]

Thanks for the information, I'm new at orchids and need all the help I can get

[@saraalicea3363]

Please what could I use for the black spots? I have them either outside in the shade or inside by the window sill. Thanks 😊

[@stancexpunks]

Finally a video that doesn’t just suggest using hydrogen peroxide and cinnamon. I’ve been trying to find a video talking about using an actual fungicide.

[@mariofaggiano8247]

Hi. Amanda this is one episode that is up my alley since I am having problems with root rot crown black rot. Also few months ago I mentioned that I separated a cymbidium orchid into 3 pots well since that orchid is well over 30 years old I was not sure if it would bloom for me. Well surprise surprise this year we are in winter here in Australia 2 of my cymbidium orchids have 2 spikes of flower each pot am actually surprised I just thought to update this now. I've just finished to build my huge green house I have put insulation on the roof, that realized the walls had condensation over night that's not good so I started to research what is the cheapest way to stop condensation build up inside my plastic portable green house. After few hours of research I found an article that said to use quality bubble wrap, so I got information from a manufacturer that makes bubble wrap and I bought 100 metres x 1.5 metres width I've now put it all over the walls including windows which now actually filters out strong sun trying thing this will see the out come I'll take my orchids out in the green house in summer so they get used to been in a different envorament. Need some help with my pholanopsis orchids I keep getting crown rot, i think it's because our back room is subject to drying our clothes in winter or if it's raining so there is lots of humidity and the heater with no air circulation. What should I do to stop crown rot from happening. Thank you in advance.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mario, Thank you for watching my video. I appreciate it. It sounds like your greenhouse is coming along nicely. That's great news. As for the crown rot, the only thing I would suggest is lots of air circulation. Are there fans of some sort in the greenhouse? You can keep the humidity high as long as there are fans. If you already have fans, then I'm not sure what to do... Maybe someone else could suggest a solution, too.

[@mariofaggiano8247]

No I don't have a fan set up yet. At this moment the orchids I have left are in the house, am sure the problem is coming from the back room in the house due to my wife drying cloths on a foldable clothesline some times I put the fan on and the majority of the times if am not home my wife does not put the fan on. She has no green thumb even if I tell her please put the fan once complain about having heater on and why have the if the heater has a fan. She cannot understand that drying clothes inside creates lots of humidity. Unfortunately we have a tin roof in that back room but we didn't know it had no insulation in that part of the house so over night temperatures get to 5° or 6° till I put our old oil heater on at around 3.30am, my wife puts these tubs that such moisture from the air going by how much water is in those tubs I am sure that's my problems. But I am was going to hang on till spring or going into summer before taking my orchids in the green house I don't want to shock them to much buy changing climent for them right now. Do you this I should wait till the weather warms up I've put a tempreture thermometer in the green house so far when it gets cold at around 5.30pm it gets cold these day's this year's has been very cold and lots of rain it's unusual for us here in Melbourne australia to have such a cold winter with such low tempreture and lots of cold strong winds, i assume climent change is happening even here in Australia which aperently we are in the centre of the hole in the ozone layer. Amanda would you sugest to wait till spring or summer before moving the orchids I have. And I have recently stopped watering I just use spray bottle to lightly spray the edges of the large glass jars I use I wait till the moss is totally dry before spraying I have in the bottom half lava rocks and a little bit of spagnamoss on the edges of the roots so the top of the roots still have moisture because I know the bottom centre of lava rocks stay wet for long time, i keep watering to a quick spray with just a little warm water. Is there anything else I can do including the fan which will install in the green house on a timer may be with a log fire heater deepening how cold it gets this new to me so I need to check and wait to see how tempreture are in green the house . I may have to create more windows with flywire screen I front and close them up at night till winter is over for us. Thank you for all your videos I enjoy listening to your voice it has such a calming effect when you talk have a good day. I apreaciate your time to reply back. God Bless you

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mario, I was just reading through the comments on my channel and realized that this one wasn't answered. I am so sorry!! I guess I overlooked it. I would wait until the weather heats up a little. 3 - 5 is very cold and most orchids won't tolerate that. I hope you didn't move them out already! Again, I'm so sorry for answering this 3 weeks late. What is the weather like now?

[@mariofaggiano8247]

@@Orchideria I understand your busy so I didn't take offence it's fine, and no I have not moved them yet however I have bought a few solar powered lights to heat up the little green house where i put the new orch iuds i bought these lightsare for the night when the tempreture drops I actually bought a few more phals they where on the cheap due to lock downs here in Melbourne they cannot sell them so I bought a hand full even though they are in bloom I still changed and reported them in fresh new orchid mix mixed with some spagnamoss not a lot i broke it up in smaller pieces mixed in the orchid mix this way have some moisture and orchid mix, in the green house I have another little green house I keep those orchids in that. Touch wood so far tempreture holds at 20c to 25c during night I checked about midnight and it was around 18c and closer to 19c I have insulated the sides of the smaller green house so light is only from the front and when summer comes I'll move the extra insulation so I am hopping what I am doing works I found a solar powered fan so I'll order that may be 2 of them this way at night it circulates the air at night as well during day the big front door is open for fresh air. I wish I could send you pictures for to see. Thank you for your reply.

[@mariofaggiano8247]

Hope you guys in the USA are been vaccinated with Pfizer and Moderna vaccine my family in Italy in our home town are at 80% vaccinated and they are all out party shopping and working no musk so we hopping to get to 80% here in Melbourne so we can come out of lockdown. Stay safe god bless

[@nicolewildman8976]

Hi Amanda😊Thank you so much for the great video and information. I lost 2 cattleyas a few months ago because of black rot. It was very depressing. Now i know what i did wrong and as a precautionary measure, i keep all of my cattleyas mounted on trees and they seem to be doing much better. Thanks again. Warm greetings from the Caribbean 😎🌴☀️

[@Orchideria]

Hi Nicole! How are you? I'm so sorry about the 2 Cattleyas. I know the feeling... Its good that you can mount them outside! I have an article on my website about mounting orchids on trees that you can read here: orchideria.com/orchids-on-trees/ I hope it helps.

[@nicolewildman8976]

@@Orchideria Thanks a lot. I'll check it out 😊

[@elbeem20001]

Great info ... so far, so good. My orchids are out in the open, and get great air circulation, and therefore dry out after a good rain soak, or when I water them (garden hose). These days our humidity is really high (over 80%) after all we're in the hurricane season, as well as heavy rains. Although the real rainy season starts from Sept/Oct. Thanks again. Still lots of keikis, roots and new leaves ... no blooms!! Yet.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Lyn! Thanks for watching! With the good air flow outside, your orchids are pretty happy and safe.

[@cecile5090]

Hi, can you tell me how much Physan 20 to add to a large household spray bottle?

[@ariellioness9384]

I have question about my orchid. Is there a way we can chat?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Ariel, You can contact me through email at [e-mail]. I am a bit behind in answering them though. I recently moved overseas and haven't had time to catch up on the emails.

[@ariellioness9384]

@@Orchideria I understand! No worries.

[@Muffin21814]

Hi Amanda, So, physan 20 doesn't kill black rot?? I grow outside and we have been getting alot of rain, so I want to make sure I have the proper chemicals in case this happens. Thank you 😊

[@Orchideria]

Hi Valarie, Unfortuneately, no it doesn't. It will slownitndown, but black rot is awful to kill. It's almost near impossible. If you have another fungicide, that would be better. Physan 20 is more all purpose and focuses on bacteria, yet not distinct to any organism. Look for a strong fungicide.

[@Muffin21814]

@@Orchideria Thank you 😊

[@yolandawoolfolk756]

Is there a way to save a leaf that has black rot.

[@joselucero5532]

Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your videos. I have a question, what happens if the black spot is on the crown or the base of a leaf and right next to the roots? What should I do to save my orchid? Thank you in advance for you help. PS. it did have white fungus on these wood pieces that it came with I removed them. First time with an orchid my husband and kids got me for Mother's Day

[@dianemilliman5064]

Hi Amanda - I am fairly new to orchids and have 9 phals. A recent purchase has developed a brand new baby leaf that has turned totally black and looks mushy. I did separate it from the others. I have not taken it out of it's pot b/c I'm not sure exactly what to do w/it and I'm honestly wondering if I should just throw it out. It would be a shame though b/c there's a large air root that looks perfect. I do have Physan 20 but have not used it yet. If you have any tips for me, I could surely use them. Also, I must tell you that I read your book - you're an amazing woman and I applaud your faith and courage. TIA for any assistance - Love from Delaware~!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Diane, Oh wow! Thank you! I'm both humbled and honored. Don't throw the orchid away, since it's still got a good air root. That might be what saves it. Of course, when the leaf goes black and mushy, that means it has bacteria all over it and it needs to be removed. Since the baby leaf is near the middle of the stem, this is hard to do. If the bacteria spreads nearer to the stem, taking over, it might not make it. If you manage to cut away the new leaf and get it all cleaned up, then the or hid can make it. It's going to be a long process, but it can be done.

[@nrdecastro]

Thanks ❤️🙏🏿🌹

[@hosseinjavid165]

What happens to your orchid when the Roots grow out of the pot

[@cchung1160]

Hi Amanda, just wondering If I can just spray hydrogen peroxide or garlic water on the leaf without cutting it? Reason I asked is because Im not 100% certain mine are black rot as I see there are new roots and leaf coming out of my Phal. I have about 4 plants are like that, the Leaves used to be green but now there’s light black patches from the tip to the centre of the leaves😩. I wish I can attach pictures on here to show you 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@Orchideria]

Hi C Chun, Yes you can use hydrogen peroxide for this, but keep it away from the roots. It won't work too well to treat the rot, since it is so weak compared to black rot, but it's better than nothing. In the meantime, try to find a better treatment. Sometime black patches can be lack of calcium, too. That's more common in Cattleyas. I'm sorry about not being able to attach the pictures.... My anti-spam blocks both links and pictures.

[@cchung1160]

@@Orchideria No worries Amanda, it’s me that don’t know how to link pics and I don’t think we could do that anyway lol. They’re Phalaenopsis not cattleya.Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep an eye on them.

[@erickchandra3771]

Black rot also killed my many coelogyne orchids. The immature new leaves or stem is its main target. Even when you do properly watering but the humidity too high, this fungus still can infect it. Using fungicide or bactericide sometimes can't kill it. Still, the best way is cutting off the whole infected areas. Very very tired dealing with this pest.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Erick, I'm so sorry! Black rot is the worst... It's extremely hard to get rid off. You're absolutely right about the new leaves. They do seem to be the first to be affected. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

[@elbeem20001]

Comment #2 ... Should I get a leaf with black spots (Black Rot) ... would it be OK to cut the leadf? To prevent infecting the rest of the plant, or other plants?

[@Orchideria]

Yes, absolutely! Cut the leaf off. It's almost impossible to cure, so get rid of that section asap.

[@snoopyxoxoxoable]

Man I just realized that I dipped my orchids in the same pot and I think one has black rot. I took it from my mom to fix root rot😢. How can I heal my babies

[@Running_Putter]

What causes black color roots. It’s not rotted or dead.

[@ot7stan207]

fertilizer burn, drying. tannins in bark