New orchid with dead roots and a fungus

[JScott]

Originally Posted by Marie78

so I'll try to cut off all the dead roots. Do should I do anything about the green fuzzy stuff growing on the roots?

In a bark mix which allows proper air to the roots rather than keeping them soggy constantly like what it was in before, that problem will probably resolve naturally.

[Marie78]

Seems to be that basically all the roots are dead. I'm going to cut the spike, are there any ways to increase root production?

[estación seca]

The plant looks to me to be in excellent health. All the repotting and manipulating has been harming it. Put it back in the pot and leave it alone. Don't spray anything on it. Don't repot it until it's outgrown the pot you just put it into.

Almost all flowering Oncidiums are in pretty good shape at the store when they arrive. I look at the roots emerging from the bottom holes and top. If they look OK I don't repot until after they finish flowering.

If you aren't sure whether orchid roots are dead by visual inspection alone, leave them be. Never cut roots unless you're sure they're dead. I still can't tell much of the time.

Don't pull orchids out of the pot just to look at the roots. Either repot or don't, but don't disturb their roots any more than necessary.

[Roberta]

I sure wouldn't sweat it. The plant looks healthy. The black roots are probably dead, but I think the lighter colored ones are still useful. The time to repot (and trim any dead roots) is when it starts new growth (when it will also make new roots) Until then, just relax and enjoy. Those pseudobulbs are plump. Even if the root are not doing much, it will run on those reserves. Don't cut the spike... enjoy it.

[Marie78]

I gently pulled on the roots and a lot of them are hollow

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Marie78

I gently pulled on the roots and a lot of them are hollow

Even a mostly dead root can still hydrate the plant by capillary action (think "wet string") even if it doesn't work very well actively. Pot it back up, enjoy the spike, repot when you see a new growth. Orchids teach patience.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Marie78

Seems to be that basically all the roots are dead. I'm going to cut the spike, are there any ways to increase root production?

I think you are mistaken about the roots being dead. 99% of the roots in the photos you posted on Imgur were vibrantly healthy. You can easily pull the velamen off Oncidium roots. I would stop and repot it. It can still grow new roots.

[Marie78]

Okay, good to hear that it seems to be in good health. I put the orchid back in the pot. I was concerned because I saw mold in the pot. I'll just water it less often

---------- Post added at 07:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

Also, is it possible for this orchid to produce new roots during bloom? I've been keeping the top humid for the past few days, is it even worth it?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Marie78

[/COLOR]Also, is it possible for this orchid to produce new roots during bloom? I've been keeping the top humid for the past few days, is it even worth it?

It can start the new growth and the new roots to go with it, while it is still in bloom (some are really good at multi-tasking
)

Rather than spritzing, I think it's better to water it well - so that water runs through the pot - a couple of times a week. The flowing water brings air into the root zone, and flushes out accumulated salts from hard water and fertilizer, as well as assorted crud that may be there. As it dries, evaporating water also pulls air into the root zone. Just don't let it sit in water - if you put a saucer under the pot, wait until it fully drains first.

[Marie78]

What seems to happen in this pot is the top drys out rather quickly and the bottom stays soggy because the roots don't reach.