I repotted it yesterday and I think I had bad news. Most of the roots were brown and mushy and many came off by themselves. I trimmed those that looked worst but I think I left some unhealthy ones because I feared of trimming all of them. Should I have cut all the roots? Could it grow back some healthy new roots that way? I don't really care if it takes a while to bloom again, I just hope to save it. After trimming, I soaked the roots in hydrogen peroxyde for ~25 minutes and then rinsed them in water. I then took the following picture before potting it in new cocoa bark.
You are correct, that does look like bad news....BUT orchids have a great survival instinct. By leaving some roots you have at least given the plant some sort of anchorage in the new medium. I suggest that you give the plant a good watering after repotting, then ease off on the water for a while (nothing for at least a fortnight) to let the plant search for new moisture. I have always been taught the mantra that "if a plant looks like it is trouble the first action is to repot". Just like a physician, one can learn so much about the condition when the naked patient is in front of you.
I have followed this advice for many years and it has stood the test of time, even though not 100%.
Good luck, and do let us know the outcome in about 3 months time.
Richard
Thanks for your kind words. I hope it gets through. I will keep you guys posted. I never fertilized it, do you think I should start doing it at half strength or something like that every two weeks to help it get started?
I agree - no fertilizer. It would be completely wasted because the plant takes up nutrients throught the roots.......and there aren't any at present.
The only thing which might help is a "rooting concentrate" such as Dynagro K.L.N,(I think in the US you might have something called Superthrive whch I believe could do the same thing but not sure). I soak my divisions in a solution of K.L.N for a while before potting and it seems to help, but I would be inclined to let your plant do the hard work for the time being. You will be surprised how resilient they are.
Richard