Mostly dead roots (Phrag, Oncidium, Cattleya, Laelia, Maxilaria)

[c123anderson]

Hi all. Fishbox, although I have nothing to add to what looks like great advice, thank you for posting. I am having a similar situation where I have a couple of dendrobiums where the roots look like they're in rough shape. ES and Dusty's comments to you were helpful to me.

To ask a further question: when repotting the rougher looking roots, after gently cleaning (not cutting), go ahead and bound them up with the rest of the roots?

I specifically have a dendrobium spectabile with some long, rough looking roots hanging out of the bottom of the pot. They're clearly not happy roots. I was planning on repotting this plant after its current spike. I didn't want to repot during spike/bloom.

Thank you to all for answers/guidance. I really appreciate it!

[estación seca]

With almost all orchids, Dendrobiums especially, I don't repot unless I see new roots just forming. Some only root in Spring. When repotted roots are always damaged. The plant might have to struggle for months with damaged roots.

You will see other opinions on this. Den. spectabile is a warm growing plant that could root and grow all year in a warm, bright and humid growing area. But most people growing on windowsills don't have warm and humid winters.

[c123anderson]

Hi estación,

You always seem to have a great answer for my questions. Thanks!

Originally Posted by estación seca

With almost all orchids, Dendrobiums especially, I don't repot unless I see new roots just forming. Some only root in Spring. When repotted roots are always damaged. The plant might have to struggle for months with damaged roots.

That seems like sound advice. I think my concern is with its appearance, but it's grown new spikes that are about to open. It's clearly surviving with three new spikes with buds about to open.

Originally Posted by estación seca

Den. spectabile is a warm growing plant that could root and grow all year in a warm, bright and humid growing area.

And you bring up another good point: looking at the individual species versus a routine. I see many people talk about repotting in the spring as a routine matter. I thought that might be what I should consider, but your thoughts make me pause and consider the health of the plant versus the damage.

Originally Posted by estación seca

But most people growing on windowsills don't have warm and humid winters.

You're very correct, that my windowsill garden only thrives because of the humidity of the bathroom/shower, the controlled indoor temperature, and the west filtered light. We are in a northern desert climate, so we don't have great humidity, and our temp fluctuations are inhospitable to general orchid culture.

I will look through the repotting forum. I have a dendrobium kingianum I received as a "see what you can do with this" situation. It looks about dead with the medium looking soft and wet (like old sphagnum moss). What are your thoughts on cutting off dead pseudobulbs?

[estación seca]

A questionable Den. kingianum in mushy medium going into winter isn't likely to survive. I would unpot it, hose off the old medium, not remove any of the plant that doesn't fall off, repot into very large bark, place into the brightest spot possible for the winter, and water once a month. If it's going to live it will start making new roots and growths when it warms up in Spring.

[c123anderson]

Originally Posted by estación seca

A questionable Den. kingianum in mushy medium going into winter isn't likely to survive. I would unpot it, hose off the old medium, not remove any of the plant that doesn't fall off, repot into very large bark, place into the brightest spot possible for the winter, and water once a month. If it's going to live it will start making new roots and growths when it warms up in Spring.

Thank you!

[Fishbox]

Meant to do this sooner, but technical issues got in the way.

Just want to give an update and say thank you! Everything is doing well now and has been producing new growth and establishing roots!

The Maxillaria actually seemed to tolerate the situation fairly well. It was the first one to put out new roots and it's settled in fairly well and putting out new growth.

The oncidium was the worst off, and lost a couple bulbs and some leaves, but it's got new growth and roots now so it's on its way in the right direction.

They're in pretty steady 60% humidity ~65F. Thinking some supplemental lighting might be in order, as the days are getting pretty short.

I appreciate all the information that set me in the right direction!