Close up of dead stringy roots. Seller claims normal - Orchid Board

Irisha99 · #1 11-22-2017, 08:37 AM

Guys, here is a close up pic of the miltoniopsis I have received. I sent the picture to the seller and they are ok to refund if I decide to send it back BUT she tells me that these are good roots. I am no professional of course but would you keep it or send it. I don’t really want to rehab any more plants

Manu · #2 11-22-2017, 09:02 AM

These roots are definitely very dry and probably don't take up much water anymore.. when soaked do they go green or brown?

If you have some new pbulbs growing, they will quickly push out new roots and can fill a pot quickly. I guess the question is how badly do you want this plant? If you were looking for a well established in its pot plant, well this is not it. If you don't mind taking the time to grow it and get it established I'm sure this plant will recuperate quickly if it has enough energy stored in backbulbs

Irisha99 · #3 11-22-2017, 09:10 AM

Thank you, Manu. The plant has two new growths one of which already has new but very dried out roots. I wanted the plant a lot but I already have a few orchids that need TLC and want something that is live and doesn’t need much input on my part. When roots are wet they stay the same brown color no green at all

Manu · #4 11-22-2017, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irisha99

Thank you, Manu. The plant has two new growths one of which already has new but very dried out roots. I wanted the plant a lot but I already have a few orchids that need TLC and want something that is live and doesn’t need much input on my part. When roots are wet they stay the same brown color no green at all

One thing is for sure, there is no active root rips in your picture. If the plant has sufficent energy (plump) back bulbs, then there is no doubt it will survive given proper care! I guess it all depends how much you paid for the plant and what you where expecting... These fine roots don't like do go completely dry and it seems like this was shipped bare root with nothint to keep it humid. The current roots are on their way out. New ones will grow. I find these plants are better purchased from local nurseries as they are normally well established in their current pot, at least you can make sure they are. It's up to you to decide if you want to return it or keep it, but you can get these plants to bloom in a 9-12 month growing cycle.

jkofferdahl · #5 11-22-2017, 11:05 AM

I'd send it back for a refund. I'd also tell the seller that he doesn't know much about roots.

Irisha99 · #6 11-22-2017, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'd send it back for a refund. I'd also tell the seller that he doesn't know much about roots.

it figures right? I am sending it back. All 3 plants I have received from them. thanks

Manu · #7 11-22-2017, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'd send it back for a refund. I'd also tell the seller that he doesn't know much about roots.

Haha yeah you're right about that.. there is no doubt if the seller thinks these roots are good and healthy he has no clue what he is talking about...

BUT, if this was shipped from overseas bareroot and was in transit for 2 3 weeks, you can't expect the roots to look anything else but desiccated.

I'm curious, where did this come from and how did it arrive to you? Did you pull this out of the pot and removed the media or was it bareroot??

Irisha99 · #8 11-22-2017, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manu

One thing is for sure, there is no active root rips in your picture. If the plant has sufficent energy (plump) back bulbs, then there is no doubt it will survive given proper care! I guess it all depends how much you paid for the plant and what you where expecting... These fine roots don't like do go completely dry and it seems like this was shipped bare root with nothint to keep it humid. The current roots are on their way out. New ones will grow. I find these plants are better purchased from local nurseries as they are normally well established in their current pot, at least you can make sure they are. It's up to you to decide if you want to return it or keep it, but you can get these plants to bloom in a 9-12 month growing cycle.

Thanks, Manu. I live in NYC, I don't really see any nurseries around. I have been buying online. However, not much luck there.
NYC is not very humid in winter time, humidity is 20-40% now. That's why I am so skeptical about trying to grow roots on a miltoniopsis during this season.
I paid $60 for 3 plants (oncidium, miltoniopsis, and paphiopedulum). None were in bloom as advertised.
I did not need or expect it to be in bloom, however, I expected a better condition because they had such good reviews on Amazon. Another lesson learned I guess.

---------- Post added at 10:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manu

Haha yeah you're right about that.. there is no doubt if the seller thinks these roots are good and healthy he has no clue what he is talking about...

BUT, if this was shipped from overseas bareroot and was in transit for 2 3 weeks, you can't expect the roots to look anything else but desiccated.

I'm curious, where did this come from and how did it arrive to you? Did you pull this out of the pot and removed the media or was it bareroot??

It was potted in bark. The media was wet, I mean dripping wet. When I pulled the plants out, the roots well all wet of course and rotted. I let it air dry through the night and voila, that's what they looked like in am.
I bought it from Amazon, The Orchid Gallery was the seller and they have very good reviews.