roots from white to black after watering? (new plant dendrobium just potted)

[littleone]

Yes it means Monday,Wednesday,Friday. It's easier for me to stick to that kind of schedule - new plant owner here so I am not used to watering things regularly.

I guess it has helped because my other plant has also sprouted a new leaf or something too (also an orchid). The medium is big so it's been drying within 2 days and I think watering it about every 2 days has helped.

Thank you for the information on what I might expect. I saw the helix at the store and really liked it so bought the smaller planting, but I guess I am not too attached to the idea since I am ok if it turns out it was indeed mislabeled. I will be more careful in the future though when buying plants.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Forgot to mention…

Dendrobium helix is like many of its relatives in the section Spathulata - they need a good amount of water.

Yes, just as James has suggested, still let the potting media dry out between waterings, but as you're finding out, you will have to water this seedling frequently.

If it truly is Den helix, then as the warmer months approach, it will start to grow rapidly, and therefore, you will also notice you will have to water more often than prior.

Should the plant be allowed to dry out for too long in between waterings during its growth spurt, (I recommend not letting the plant be dry for more than 1 day when it is in active growth), that dry spell will result in a severly stunted Den helix.

Den helix as a full grown plant, is a beast! They get large. Yours will take a few years before it even starts getting big though, (if it is Den helix, of course).

[littleone]

I will try to stay very consistent with watering so it can grow and try to update my album here when I can.

Where the plant is sitting is near a window and there is a vent above it not too far away. I was afraid of it affecting the plant when it is hot - since the AC will be blowing, will the cool air harm the plan by changing the "local" temperature too much?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Den helix is an intermediate to warm grower and appreciates moderate humidity. I wouldn't put any orchid near an AC vent, especially Den helix.

[littleone]

Thanks that actually makes it easier since I can move it to a room in the house that stays warm over the summer