All of my Den roots are white

[Samheartsorchids]

Every single one of my Dens roots are white and brittle yet the plant is still in flower, and the leaves look ok.....am i just losing it, or am i killing the poor thing???

please help



I'll owe you.....

[OdessaOrchid]

Are these roots on a keiki that are not in the potting medium? If so, just mist them and they should be fine. I have a den that has a keiki and all of the roots for it are exposed. I was keeping it on my screen porch but once it bloomed I brought it inside and the roots dried up some since it wasn't as humid but it has been over 4 months now and it is still health.

[isurus79]

I gotta say, white roots are a good color. It just means that they are healthy but dry. Usually, you let roots get white (dry) and then water them again some time later. Any pics?

[lostonthebeach]

Probably it is OK but it is difficult to tell without pictures. Can you post some photos?

[RosieC]

My Den has white roots and I don't think it's a problem, but if they are brittle it sounds like they are very dry and it might be a sign it needs watering.

[Samheartsorchids]

i water the thing like crazy now, and i do the same with my phals, every one of my orchids, all 5 of them, the roots are drying out now, i have them in fir bark, but they are ALWAYS dry.........

[metalop1g]

You should put it in a pot. You have too much surface area in your bowl, so it doesn't retain enough water. Also, you need to soak your bark for 24-48h before you plant anything in it.

[rogerman]

The thing that dendrobiums love is, being in cramped places. Since your plant isn't in a pot and is too open, it will dry out faster than you can water it.