VANILLA ORCHID root problem
 

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[drupal=430]VANILLA ORCHID root problem[/drupal]

They have been wet for too long. I speak from experience. repot and throw out the old mix. They like a well draining mix with mostly mulch that dries out in 2-3 days. If it's still wet, do NOT water. If it's wet all week, your mix is too dense. Your mix should drain well and have a lot of organics like the forrest floor. They also like 20-20-20, 1tbsp/gal and i use rainwater, fertilize 1 time a week. Like other orchids, they do not like to be over watered. good luck

Thank you very much for this advice. Unfortunately, half of my vanilla plant is now dead. The other half- a long stem is holding on to only one thin root and I do not know for how long. If I try to re-pot, I am afraid that the only remaining root might die off too. I have tried to encourage it to grow new roots but it simply would not. May be my last chance is really to re-pot.....

Vanialla root rot
 

I think your last chance is to repot. Make sure the medium is not to heavy so that it does not stay constantly wet. Bury 2-3 nodes about 2 inches under the medium(mostly mulch). Cut off all the rot before repotting. Try misting a couple of times a week to encourage root gowth if you have time. Vanilas have different types of roots. Some used for securing to branches/moisture absorption(thin) and those in soil(fat). The ones in the soil are very 'furry' and thick.