[Cindy]

nickjamie,

If the whole rhizome rots, the plant is gone. But if only part of it rots, that part can be cut off and the rest of the rhizome saved.

However, if your plant is from tissue culture and does not have much of a rhizome to begin with...when rots in the center, the chances of it surviving is low.

Dishwashing liquid is a good choice because it is easily washed off the plant once it has done its job of killing the aphids. The problem with some insecticide is that it stays on for much too long.

Another alternative for killing such pests (e.g. scale insects too) that tend to stay around one spot on the plant is rubbing alcohol used for cuts and wounds.