first orchid oncindium with root rot

[jwrenn]

Hi my name is Jordan, I just bought my first orchid an oncidium. Got it from a big box store.after.doimg.some.studying on orchid care. Got it home only to discover it had a bad case of root rot. Ive cut.off all the rot and repotted from sphagnum to bark as a medium. I gave it a weak dose of fertilizerand placed it in a window where it gets about 2 to 3 hours of direct light and plenty of indirect. Is there anything else i should do to help the roots grow back. Maybe the bag method? Any help is appreciated.

[WhiteRabbit]

Hi Jordan! Glad you found us!

I have found Oncidiums to usually be very resilient. Sounds like you have done as I would have. With no roots, this could be placed in lower light. Keep it moderately warm.

I haven't used sphag and bag method - but have placed rootless orchids in a small fish tank - moist peat at the bottom, a layer of pebbles over that - covered most of the way, but open a bit for fresh air. I put the tank in a shady warm area. Remoistened the peat when necessary, check potting media (if plant was potted) to see if it needs water.

Good luck!

[Leafmite]

Oncidiums are really tough and do recover. When an orchid is rootless, I like to fill the pot nearly to the top with medium, then stake the orchid on top Of the medium (chopsticks/pencils & twist ties work well) until roots are about an inch long before covering the roots. The orchid cannot absorb water without roots and yet it needs humidity (a clear bag placed over the pot can help retain humidity). Repotting after roots have grown can damage the roots. I have used this method with many oncidiums and cattleyas bought rootless. I use lava rock as a medium so I always need to place that top layer on carefully so as not to harm the roots but bark shouldn't be a problem.
If there are some roots, the oncidium should recover without problem. Placing a bag over the pot to retain moisture is fine as long as your medium doesn't stay too wet (and rot out remaining roots). When you water, let it soak, then let it dry complety before watering again. Good luck!