this post was submitted on 01 Feb 2026
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Nature and Gardening

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My Orchid struggled in the winter cold, and I'm a little worried about its recovery - I'm not sure why there are roots growing away from the soil (I understand the 'silvering' is a bad sign, although it's only on the ones growing upwards). Does anyone have any advice about keeping the plant happy and healthy? Appreciate any tips people may have!

EDIT: Thanks everyone for helping me identify that the roots were rotting from over-watering. It turns out I hadn't just over-watered it the once, it's been steadily drowning over a long period... I've removed the water it was swimming in and given it a fresh (and much smaller) amount to keep it going. I'll have to keep a better eye on how much I'm watering this thing - thanks to you all for helping this novice save the plant (that he could have easily killed... ๐Ÿ˜ฌ)!

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[โ€“] Sub_dermal@beehaw.org 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

No, I think I over-watered it the other day - normally it's far less wet!

[โ€“] LallyLuckFarm@beehaw.org 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Is the inner pot holding the roots sitting on the bottom of the larger pot? That would be contributing to the issue if it is. Some stones or another material to lift the inner pot off the bottom will allow the orchid to drain more readily.

[โ€“] Sub_dermal@beehaw.org 4 points 2 days ago

Ah - yes I hadn't even considered that (still a novice!); I'll get some stones to lift it up a smidge - thanks!