Oerstedella pseudoschumannianum — root issues?

[Patrique]

I have a new oerstedella pseudoschumannium. It started a new shoot when I took it home but the shoot has died, and some leaves are falling off. Other parts of the plant look healthy and growing. I’m wondering if any of the unpleasant effects could be due to problems with the roots? See the pic. Some of the roots are grey but are not soft as if they are rotting. Thoughts?

[estación seca]

More information is needed. How long have you had it? Was it potted when you got it? How did you take care of it? What are your temperatures, humidity and light conditions? How did you water it?

[Patrique]

Thanks -- had it for about 3 weeks, was potted in gravel, just removed to check the roots, have in bright shade spot with mid-70s temps during day, 60%-80% humidity, watering when moss is dry.

[Jeff214]

As Estacion seca mentioned, it's difficult to provide proper feedback without more information. If you do, perhaps someone with experience can chime in.

Personally, I've never grown pseudoschumannianum - only tetraceros (cool grower) and schwienfurthiana (warm grower).

I was told that some of the Oerstedellas are sensitive to water quality and many are cool-intermediate growers. I believe many of them like to be moist with lots of air movement around the roots.

[estación seca]

They need lots of air at the roots. If the gravel was too fine the air spaces will be full of water and the roots suffocate.