Dead roots? blooming plant, wilted psudobulb, = underwatered?

[RosieC]

Hi Benjie, it's probably not a good idea to ask the question here as it causes confusion, especially as your orchid is such a very different type to the one being discussed here.

I see you already have another thread for your question. Vanda orchid roots with cracks
Ted asked over there if you have any pictures of the roots, I would advise posting a picture over on that thread, I've added some advise on how to do that to your thread.

[RosieC]

Leemoon, your orchid definately looks like Oncidium Alliance to me. Looks like you've got some good advise above, just one thing I would like to add.

You mention softening the water, but I'm pretty certain I've read here that doing that is NOT a good idea for orchids. RO water is fine, lots of people here use that, but I'm sure I've read somewhere here that softening was a problem for orchids... can't find the message at the momment though.

[Leemoon]

I have an 11 inch plastic pot from walmart with a slotted bottom it says its an auto watering pot, I anticipated the problem with bigger pots, so the botom is about 2 inches smooth pebbles, then about 2 inches of pearlite, then about 6 inches of orchid mix. Walmart.com: Mainstays Self-Watering Planter - Set of 3, Green: Lawn & Garden this is the pot. I have heard distilled water is good too, but Haven't tried that yet, leaves are starting to show spots but the flowers seem to be blooming all the bigger.

[Becca]

Keep in mind that softened water that has been put through the RO System is fine! I meant to mention that earlier and forgot...since that is what the question was originally asking about the RO and softened water!

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Leemoon

I have an 11 inch plastic pot from walmart with a slotted bottom it says its an auto watering pot, I anticipated the problem with bigger pots, so the botom is about 2 inches smooth pebbles, then about 2 inches of pearlite, then about 6 inches of orchid mix. Walmart.com: Mainstays Self-Watering Planter - Set of 3, Green: Lawn & Garden this is the pot. I have heard distilled water is good too, but Haven't tried that yet, leaves are starting to show spots but the flowers seem to be blooming all the bigger.

What size pot did it come potted in orginally? I could be wrong, but I don't think a self watering pot is the best for growing orchids in. I really think you will rot the roots with it!

[Leemoon]

It came in a pot that was about 4X4X6 and the roots were all knotted tight in it, I don't actualy use the auto watering feature, the slotted bottom ensures better dranage ( judging from how easily I have flooded the floor the last watering) I empty the tray after watering to make sure the roots aren't sitting in water.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Becca

Keep in mind that softened water that has been put through the RO System is fine! I meant to mention that earlier and forgot...since that is what the question was originally asking about the RO and softened water!

Good to know Becca