Question
First of all, thank you so much for replying me so fast. What does the "mushy root" look like? How much of the root should i be cutting? The roots of my plant seem to be long and I also notice some dark spots on the roots. I've tried to soak the plant in water for a day hoping that the roots have completely dried out.

thank you
summer

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi, I have a white phalaenopsis indoor orchid that was given to me as a bday present. I don't know anything about plants at all and am at a loss. All the leaves has fallen off and I believe that I didn't water it much and it's dried out. The stalk/stem (dunno what you call it) is completely yellow. It's in a ceramic pot with one hole at the bottom. I really want to try and do anything to save it. Please let me know anything I can do to help save my plant. Thank you very much.

summer
-----Answer-----
I recommend that you remove the plant from its pot and check the roots.  Remove any "mushy" roots.  Place the remaining plant in a plastic bag with just a strand or two of moist moss.  Thw plant still may send out a new growth in a humid environment.  You have nothing to lose at this advanced stage.  It may be too late if the growing point of the plant has been destroyed, but give this a try.  If new growth atarts after a few weeks, do not repot until you have one or more new root growths.

Answer
Mushy roots are roots in which the outer covering has collapsed. They are sponge-like in appearance and feel. You would know them if you see them.  Dark spots are OK.  If the roots are firm, then you are OK on that score and you can just repot as outlined below.  Any roots that are in whole, or in part, mushy, should have the mushy part cut off.

If you have no mushy roots and they were just dry, soaking them in water for a day should be fine.  Repot in a plastic pot just large enough to accommodate the root mass.  Plastic retains moisture the best and  the potting mix for repotting should be moist to the touch.


Soaking the dried roots may be helpful if they are otherwise firm.  I would repot the plant in a mix that is moist to the touch and use a plastic pot as they do not dry out so readily.