Rootless dendrobium - Orchid Board

bdelfiero · #1 04-10-2010, 12:46 AM

I was wondering if there's anyway to save a rootless dendrobium. I will appreciate your advice..thanks

nutgirl · #2 04-10-2010, 08:56 AM

Depending on the overall condition of the plant it can be done. More infor would be helpful?

Can you take a picture of it? Is the rest of the plant OK?

Maureen

bdelfiero · #3 04-10-2010, 09:08 AM

Hi Maureen,

Actually it's not really rootless, there are some roots but rotten, i saw some mushy white roots also but i think not a healthy one to survive the plants...There are also some healthy leaves, but i think those leaves are getting some energy in the old canes.

nutgirl · #4 04-10-2010, 10:17 PM

Do you know what kind of Dendrobium it is?

Many orchids put on new growth in the spring and if yours puts out a new cane it will likely grow new roots also. Look at the base of the existing canes to see if there's anything happening.

If you have anything rootwise that will keep it going I would replant it in a small pot using a fast draining medium. I like a mixture of bark and perlite for dendrobiums.

Water frequently since it doesn't have much of a root system to work with. That's why a fast draining mix is important. You don't want the medium to stay soggy or you'll have more rot.

Staking the plant to stabilize it until it grows roots will help it too.

Higher humidity will help also.

Maureen

bdelfiero · #5 04-11-2010, 02:06 AM

Hi Maureen,

I have no idea about the kind of my dendrobium. It's now sitting on a small pot with bark. I don't want to add any other mix to the bark as i prefer to dry it faster.
I also placed my Dendrobium in a big tall bucket and mist the surrounding to increase the humidity level. Do you think it's wise to water them everyday even the humidity is high? thank you for your advice.

nutgirl · #6 04-11-2010, 09:59 AM

The bucket arrangement sounds like you will be able to keep the humidity higher so daily watering won't be necessary. Is there anything in the bucket?
You might try putting a layer of small stones in the bottom and place your plant on top. Keeping the stones wet would add more humidity around the plant.

As new root growth develops you can increase the watering.

How often you water is a trial and error thing depending on your conditions. Keep an eye on how your plant is responding and adjust accordingly.

Maureen

Orchid126 · #7 04-11-2010, 03:29 PM

You haven't said what part of the country you live in, but in a couple of weeks the den can go outside, where you won't have to worry about humidity and air circulation. April is the start of the growing season for dens, and it should improve.

Dens can be propagated by laying canes on their sides on the potting medium and they will root, so that means they root easily. Be patient and you will succeed. Nutgirl (Maureen) gave you good advice.

bdelfiero · #8 04-11-2010, 09:31 PM

Hi Orchid126,,

I live in Philippines where the current weather is 86degrees and the humidity level is ranging from 50-60%. Right now I am giving the dend a huge amount of humidity.

Maureen, Thank you for your advice. I still hope to salvage my dend because this variety gives a lot of stunning flowers.

nutgirl · #9 04-11-2010, 10:42 PM

Orchid126 is right - outside would be good and your conditions sound perfect.

Your plant looks good enough to recover.
I look forward to pictures when it blooms!

Maureen

bdelfiero · #10 04-11-2010, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutgirl

Orchid126 is right - outside would be good and your conditions sound perfect.

Your plant looks good enough to recover.
I look forward to pictures when it blooms!

Maureen

surely Maureen, i will be happy to post some pics once the dend recovers..