Dendrobium orchid, been abused by cat, now don't know what to do??

[stefpix]

Probably potted in a clay pot with no medium at all or one of those squash veg sponges is better than potted in fake orchid mix

[The Orchid man]

King of orchis is pretty much right in what he says, all i might add is that when mixing a compost for orchids of a similar nature - fine roots for example i often use broken hazle nut shells and or some crushed peanut shell in the mix. I have found that their use necessitates less watering, as the hollow pieces of shell tend to contain moisture whilst the compost dries out and as the moisture evaporates from these pieces within the dry compost it is absorbed by the roots. i have a tendancy to be heavy handed with water but now hold back unless the plant is in full growth - it is always esier to raise the leaves on a dry plant with a little water than to raise those on one which has no roots. here in england we always try to water on a rising temperature this gives our plants time to dry out before nightfall. oh and personally plants with pseudobulbs i never water before they are dry - very light pots when lifted. PeterD.

[sallen1]

Goodness- it was very difficult to find a place locally that sold the right potting mix. Fortunately, when I did find that place, the women who worked there KNEW what she was talking about as she personally grows orchids! YEAH!

Here is a pic of the roots of my dendrobium for your review. I think the problem has been too much moisture because of the incorrect mix- at least as far as the none infected leaves were concerned.

[sallen1]

Should I do anything to the roots before I repot it?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Dead or not, leave the roots on the plant.

The plant is already top heavy. If you remove the dead roots, you'll have to mount the plant onto a piece of wood.

By leaving the dead and/or living roots on, the plant has an anchor.

Provide the highest level of humidity you can. Since it looks like the roots are pretty much all gone, high humidity is the only way the plant is going to be able to obtain moisture. If the plant makes it, it should produce new roots in the warmer months.

[sallen1]

Are my roots dead? Or do they look dead?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Many are dead. Some may look dead.

[sallen1]

Here's the planting mix I bought first- Miracle Grow


Here's the planting mix I will be using now-

[sallen1]

IS there hope for this dendrobium?

When I told the lady at the store today that I was trying to save my dendrobium alive she sighed/chuckled and told me good luck- apparently these are not easy orchids for beginners?

[sallen1]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Provide the highest level of humidity you can. Since it looks like the roots are pretty much all gone, high humidity is the only way the plant is going to be able to obtain moisture. If the plant makes it, it should produce new roots in the warmer months.

So mist it? And water? Or skip watering and only mist?