Rotting dendrobium -is it too late?

[Tortoise]

everyone, I have been trying to grow many orchids for years but ultimately I[IMG][/IMG] end up with root root and lose them. I used to try bark mixes but have since been using some leca as 2 of my dendrobiums were sold to me using this method. One dendrobium Frosty Dawn is looking almost dead and I wonder if there is any glimmer of hope and what I should do to give it the best chance if its even possible to restore it to good health.
Ill attempt to add photos here and thank you

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...rw&oe=63F4406D

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net...8A&oe=63F3B127

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

I think that this Dendrobium can be rescued - it does look like it has 1 good root, which will help in reviving it. To help you save it - and to have more success with other orchids - can you tell us some more about your growing conditions? Things to consider:
temperature (and temperature range)
light
watering - how much and how often?
What type of pot? You do mention LECA, lots of members of the Board use it. But whatever the medium, more important is to look at how it's being used. For most orchids, the goal is "humid air" rather than "wet". Air is the big factor, roots die not so much from too much water, but rather from not enough air.

So, to get beyond the generalities, the more you can share about conditions, the better the odds that someone will be able to help you - there are lots of experienced growers who participate on the Board.

[Tortoise]

Thank you for your response
The orchid had been in South West window with overhang
The temperature is often 20-24 decrees Celsius
The pot was plastic and I tried to keep a reservoir of water below the pot so adding water as needed .
It came to me in leca so I'd always grown in leca.
I'm really hoping I can save it its currently not in a pot it's sat by my computer as I wasn't sure what the next steps should be.ive had it a few years so one of my longest lasting orchids as I still make lots of mistakes sadly but I'm very eager to learn more.
I sprayed with peroxide to clean all over.
Thanks

[Roberta]

First... most orchids really don't like to sit in water. The way to water them is to pour water though the medium, and let it drain well. That pulls air into the root zone, and flushes out any "crud". The "semi-hydroponic' technique that lots of people use, with great success, does have a small reservoir at the botton of the pot, which has a small hole or two at the side of the pot a bit above the bottom, so that when the container is filled to the top, it then drains - with the same effect of pulling air through the pot., For details on this approach, check out Free Info - Semi-Hydroponics

Peroxide on roots can damage them. So don't do that... just rinse them off. A lot of people have had good luck getting rootless plants to produce more roots using Kelpak . Search the Board using that as the search term and you'll find LOTS of information. Others likely will jump in with more ideas.,

Another note... I would suggest potting up that plant. In the absence of much in the way of roots, you will need to stabilize it so it doesn't wobble - when new roots are starting they are very delicate and any movement can damage them. You can use wood barbecue skewers, or similar sticks, and garden twist-ties to do the job.,

[Tortoise]

The water level would have been 25% up the pot at most
I do actually have a bottle of that kelpak here so that's great to know thanks.
So I'll pot it back into leca and use the fertilizer in the water?
I'll be sure to read about the uses of thd fertilizer too on the forum.
Thanks for the advice I'm very grateful to get some help and hopefully the orchid will survive me.
Thank you 😊

[Toadwally]

Along the lines of the principles Roberta laid out for her advice, perhaps consider a heavy misting of kelpak followed by resting the plat atop moistened NZ sphag in a clear plastic bag where it can receive light (less than typical) and warmth. Two weeks later, spray again and return to its plastic recovery room. I suggest this for the added benefit of watching roots' responces.

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[Tortoise]

Thank you very much
I will certainly try this out
I appreciate the help and I'll be sure to update 🙂
Thanks again

[estación seca]

My experience has been Dens in section Latouria should never dry out. I think it is extremely unlikely it had root rot from inadequate air circulation; the air spaces in LECA are so large. I think your plant has been too dry for too long. If your plant had a relatively shallow root system the water may not have risen to the level of the roots, even if the bottom of the LECA was in water. When I move plants into LECA I must be careful the roots are truly staying moist between waterings. I often need to water from the top almost every day for some weeks or months, before the roots grow into the moist zone.

To save this plant I would put it inside an enclosed space like a large jar or terrarium, to keep the relative humidity high. Set it on barely damp sphagnum, not wet sphagnum. Try to keep it 25-30C if you can. Root growth will be triggered by high relative humidity and warmth, not by watering. Treating with Kelpack, a root stimulant, will help. There are no roots so there is no reason to use fertilizer now.

[Tortoise]

Thank you very much I just placed it in a large glass jar on barely moist spaghnum moss with lid closed but very slightly ajar?
Assuming we need a little airflow?
Thanks so much everyone here is so helpful ☺️