Phalaenopsis turning black with white spots at the base

[orchid lover22]

Over the last couple weeks my phalaenopsis orchid has been rotting/deteriorating at the base. I am not shure why this is happening but it is eating right threw the base very fast so some one please help.

[Tim C.]

If the base is rotting and turning black, then it's most likely being caused by over-watering. The white dots are probably mold/fungus, which come with rot. Do you know how the roots look? How about the leaves? If there is any bit of the base left that isn't rotted, you might be able to save it if you clean off the rotted portion very well and treat it with fungicide. Cut off any and all dead roots, and repot the plant with new potting mix. Keep it moist - not wet - and hopefully it'll put out new roots.

-Tim

[orchid lover22]

The roots and the leaves look good and the black is only on a small portion of the stem

[Tim C.]

In your original post, you made it sound like the base of the actual fan of leaves - the core of the plant - was "rotting/deteriorating." If that's not the case, and it is only a small portion of the stem, then can you describe the problem a bit more in detail, or better yet post a picture? Otherwise, you make it sound like there is no problem in your second post.

-Tim

[violetta]

Rot can spread rapidly .. please post a picture so that we can help you save the plant, if it's possible.

[Leafmite]

If it is spreading, I would remove the black portion and pour isopropyl alcohol on all but the roots, twice a day. Checking the roots is likely a good idea, too. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. In the meantime, here are two great sites:

Orchid Pests, Orchid Diseases
http://www.houstonorchidsociety.org/...ySueBottom.pdf

[orchid lover22]

Can someone please tell me how to post a picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Leafmite]

Here is how it can be done with a computer: To post a picture, go under 'additional options', 'attach files' and click on 'manage attachments'. This will give you options of folders on your computer and you just go to the folder and click on the picture. If it is too many megapixels, use PAINT or some other software to 'resize' the picture. Rename it, exit out of your editing software, click the picture and 'open' it. It will appear in the attachment section. Do the same for the next photos. I have a dumb phone so....