Wrinkling from root rot
Wrinkled leaves with rotted roots are the cruel twist — the plant looks thirsty but is actually drowning.
Diagnosis
Wrinkling from root rot
What's happening
It seems backwards, but overwatered orchids wilt too. When the roots rot away from sitting in wet bark, there are too few working roots left to carry water up to the leaves, so the leaves wrinkle and go limp exactly as if they were underwatered. Watering more only makes it worse.
How to fix it
Don't add water. Unpot the plant, rinse the roots, and cut away every brown, soft, or hollow root with sterilized snips until only firm green or silver roots remain. Repot into fresh, chunky orchid bark in a clean pot with drainage. If very few healthy roots are left, stand the plant over (not in) water or use a humidity tray and a clear pot so you can watch new roots form, and water sparingly until the root system rebuilds.
What fixes it
- Orchid bark for chunky mixes — Fresh, fast-draining orchid bark gives the surviving roots the air they need to regrow instead of rotting further.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full Moth Orchid care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this