What is wrong with my dendrobium?

[Reneelb]

I received this dendrobium helix hybrid two days ago as a bare root seedling. It has little black spots on the stem and leaves. And mushy spots also. I checked the roots before I potted it up yesterday and they looked ok, but it arrived with the spots!

I came home from work today and one of it's leaves had dropped off! There aren't really many leaves to loose!

If anybody knows what might be wrong and how I can treat it?

I don't want to try everything but the kitchen sink because I worry I will drown it that way.

HELP!

[turtleamy]

What typing of potting mix is that?

[Reneelb]

It is fine orchid bark and perlite. I soaked it with b1 before potting the little one up.

I am a little worried that it may be too fine? This plant was growing in rocks at its previous home.

regardless, the plant turned up with the spots and blotches.

[Reneelb]

Also, I should add, although the pot looks big, the plant had massive amounts of roots. I actually had some tiny terracotta pots sitting ready but I couldn't fit the roots in!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Black spots looks like a fungal infection.

Treat with fungicide.

[Reneelb]

Thanks for your replies.

Will go get some fungicide first thing.

As I am in Australia we don't get all the Physan/GardenSafe etc.

Is there a specific active ingredient I should look for?

[jaxorchidman]

Definitely spray with fungicide. I would also put it in a more coarse media mix. If it was growing in rocks before you got it, the roots were acclimated to a free draining media and something that fine might start to rot the roots. Just my opinion. Someone else will tell you theirs also. Good luck. It should be a nice antelope hybrid. Den. helix is very hard to find. I haven't been able to locate one yet.

[dounoharm]

i agree, the fine mix is keeping the roots too wet causing fungus.....use a chunkier mix, and try putting it back in terra cotta, that will dry it out too....gl

[Reneelb]

Right, so fungicide chunkier mix, terracotta pots. Got it! Thankyou!

Quick question will the roots have trouble 'leaving behind' the terracotta when comes time to move the plant into a bigger 'condo'? Hehe! As in what will i do if the roots grip?

Josh, this one is called 'dandy dame' and it is a cross between a helix and lasianthera. It looked stunning in its 'glamour shots'.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Reneelb

Quick question will the roots have trouble 'leaving behind' the terracotta when comes time to move the plant into a bigger 'condo'? Hehe! As in what will i do if the roots grip?

I recommend wetting the roots thoroughly. That will not solve everything, but it should help tremendously.