Unknown Orchid lost leaves and brown roots, HELP!

[LaosyOrchid]

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to Orchids in Southeast Asia and this guy seems to not be doing very well. It lost all its leaves so I decided to take it out of its pot and inspect the roots. I believe it's been overwatered but maybe you all have a different idea.

My question is, how do I get this guy growing again with nice green roots? Should I let it dry out for a few days and then plant it again? Or how should I stimulate new root growth? Chop the brown roots off?

Lots of questions but basically I just need a few next steps.

Thanks!

[Roberta]

The roots don't look wonderful, but I think at least some are viable. Dont't cut!!! They can still hydrate the plant, and it is difficult/impossible to tell the good ones from the bad ones. At least some of those roots are fairly good, I think. The plant is a Dendrobium. Some Dendrobiums do lose leaves in autumn/winter, and can produce flowers in the spring on leafless canes. So it likely is very much alive. Pot it in fresh medium, and water it sparingly. It should not be bone-dry, but "damp-to-dry" is your goal. In the spring, you will likely see new growth, and that is the time to increase watering.

I don't consider a Dendrobium dead until it is brown and crisp for a whole year... so many of them look really dead for much of the time but aren't!