Why are all Roots on Big Cattleyas Dead?

[DirtyCoconuts]

BeachBum- i hear you on seeing the roots BUT, i get to see them because they hate the inside. i use all rocky inorganic media and they are really just anchored in that until they root ONTO the pot lol...I'll go take a pic

---------- Post added at 03:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------

as promised

Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr


Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr




Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr

[realoldbeachbum]

Wow, Dirty! Root porn for sure. Love it. If only I lived in SoFL!

---------- Post added at 04:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------

Thanks SP. Based on the advice from you guys on OB, I THINK the problem stems from roots in the center of the pot staying wet too long.

Yes, they are all dead and squishy when wet. When I unpot and let dry overnight, they are pappery.

Also, based on your advice about a year ago, watering around the outside of the pot is best. I probably need to be more vigilant about that. (If in a hurry, I just water the entire pot.)

I now have about 150 orchids in a grow room in my basement (walkout with nice East windows). The labor required to feed, water, repot, etc has gotten to be full time job -- so oftentimes I hurry through and run them under the tap with no notice as to where the water is going!

---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------

Interesting FairO! I hope they will be OK. Only time will tell. Thanks for your input

[DirtyCoconuts]

i wish i had a good option for you. growing indoors is sooo much harder. I have 50 or so house plants and they take as much or more time than my 500 or so outdoor plants

[realoldbeachbum]

Thanks Isurus. (I watch your vids ALL THE TIME. Good stuff. Just bought a loddigesii because of your vid -- you are such an enabler!)

I will experiment with terracotta again -- maybe one big Catt; will TRY to ignore the white buildup on the outside of the pot!

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by realoldbeachbum

Also, based on your advice about a year ago, watering around the outside of the pot is best. I probably need to be more vigilant about that. (If in a hurry, I just water the entire pot.)

You'll eventually have a nice system that works for your conditions ROBB.

For big enough pots - more around the outsides can work well. Some water in towards the orchid is ok too - just to ensure that the central region doesn't get really dry or stay really dry all the time.

In the tropics - the humidity is usually at a pretty good level to support the orchids and the roots. Maintaining nice drainage and good temperature, and having some gentle air movement in the growing area is really beneficial for the orchids here.

Also check out page 21 from this link ROBB ----- if you haven't seen this one already. It's not related to media too wet though. Just the possible effects of mold on bark. LINK