Healthy root
It feels firm and may change from silver to green after watering.
Symptoms on popular plants
Rotting roots on a moth orchid
Soft brown roots and bark that stays wet point to poor aeration around the root system.
Damaged root
It may be brown, soft, hollow or lose its outer layer when handled.
Bark and cover pot
Broken-down fine bark and standing water reduce airflow around the roots.
More useful detail
How to narrow down the cause
What supports this cause
Bark that stays wet, an unpleasant smell and soft roots together strongly support a root problem.
What can look similar
Firm aerial roots can be silver and wrinkled; color alone does not prove rot.
Problem
What to do step by step
- 1
Remove the growing pot from its cover and inspect the roots in good light.
- 2
With a clean tool, trim only tissue that is soft, hollow or breaking down.
- 3
Repot in airy orchid bark and never leave drained water in the cover pot.
Observation
What to watch next
- The remaining roots feel firm.
- Bark dries normally and has no sour smell.
- Leaves stay firm and healthy root tips appear.
Important
A root turning green after watering is not rotten simply because its color changed.
Florli
Related guides and features
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Sources and further reading: University of Maryland Extension: diagnosing indoor plant problems
Royal Horticultural Society — Houseplants
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Prepared by Florli. Reviewed October 15, 2026. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition. How Florli creates its guides.