What's wrong with my orchid's roots? They're withered.

[RachelR]

I don't know what's wrong with my orchid's roots. They're withered and dry in looking. They're on the same watering schedule (weekly) as my other orchids whose roots are smooth and green. I also fertilize weekly. Any advice is appreciated. Pics included.

[estación seca]

Those are normal older roots.

[Ray]

Yep. They are normal for grossly underwatered roots.

[SouthPark]

Did those roots look like that when you first got your orchid? And how long have you had this orchid for?

And how do you water your orchid? How much water is put into the media ------ and how is that water applied?

Once a week watering schedule can sometimes (may) lead to issues ------ depending on the conditions of your growing environment, and conditions inside the dark depths of the pot. As in ------ once a week can sometimes dehydrate orchid roots. And sometimes, it can make roots and media too wet at the beginning of the watering cycle ----- which can kill roots within the pot too.

[Dollythehun]

Thanks, Ray! That was my first thought. You've got very large bark and a porous basket, once a week is not enough. You might want to try soaking them, instead of pouring through.

[Orchidtinkerer]

yes normal for dehydrated roots but they have only lost their tips so far so will bounce back with a bit more frequent watering. You need to monitor your orchid, not just water on a set schedule, in winter they drink less in summer they drink more.
If you want this one to retain more moisture between watering you need to add some chunks of spagnum moss *or a layer of smaller sized bark into the substrate or water it when the roots become dry which as you have discovered will be less than 1 week intervals.

[New2Orchids2020]

Perhaps they need to be watered?

I'm still a bit new to this. however I have learned that green roots and even silvery white roots are good.

Dried withered roots...they look as though they are dying of thirst.

If you use water from the sink you could place the whole pot in the sink and run water over the roots. Be careful and keep the stem and leaves dry.

You may even want to soak the whole pot (if it has holes) in a bigger pot or bowl with water for a minute or two until the roots turn green.


Be sure to drain your pot well.

I have also learned that you should let the plant tell you when it needs to be watered rather than have it on a set schedule. Since how much water your orchids require will vary depending on so many factors such as your environment, the media that the plant is in, the pot, the location in your home, how much light they receive....etc...etc...etc.