Is this normal?

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

If the chc is described as pre-washed, but you wish to be cautious, soak overnight in water, rinse, soak overnight again, rinse again. If in doubt, taste the water it has soaked in - no salty taste, should be good to go.

Chc that is not washed (or if you don't know) - you can go with the repeated soaking, and taste the water. I know others recommend soaking with calcium (carbonate, I believe?) and epsom salts ...
I think

I found this http://www.orchidboard.com/community...usk-chips.html

this: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...nut-chips.html

page with description of using the calcium and epsom salts : Use of Coconut Husk Chips

Honestly, the most I have ever done is soak, rinse, repeat - and more recently just rinsing, and haven't had any trouble.

I have read concerns about chc retaining mineral salts - I flush the media well once a month, and have not noticed any issues. I have been using chc predominantly for over 4 years.

Thank you!

[butterfly_muse]

My chc just arrived! It doesn't say whether they're pre-washed or not (all of their product line is described as triple washed but this doesn't actually say one way or the other <_<...so I emailed), and pending the washing or not, I will be repotting soon. I know that these orchids have different roots. How far in/out of the pot should the roots be, and do dead roots look all black and dried up as others do? I looked at them and they seem white..is that normal for these types? How will I know good/bad roots?

[NYCorchidman]

If the roots are white, they are new and alive!
It is sometimes hard to tell whether oncidium (intergenerics) roots are dead or not.

If in doubt, leave them.
I used to cut good chunks of "bad" looking roots when repotting. Well, it was always a disaster. Those bad looking roots were alive. The plants showed signs of dehydration soon after repotting.
so I no longer bother with the roots of oncidiums. I simply leave them all unless they fall off on their own. lol

After repotting, you want to water the plant well until the new mix gets "old". Good soaking is a great way. I normally soak for 15 minutes or so each time I water.

[butterfly_muse]

I soaked the roots themselves in some kelpmax and the coconut husk had also been soaked overnight...I read that these guys don't really like to be too wet so I figured that was adequate until the next watering. It was nice and wet at the time so I didn't want to water it again..is that okay? Should I have watered it anyway?