Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium Root Problems (squiggly roots)
 

Hi everyone I'm a beginner orchid hobbyist with 2 orchids under my care; my dendrobium nestor and a phalaenopsis.

I have had these orchids for nearly a year now but I've noticed something (seriously) wrong with their roots; particularly my phal.

My phal is potted with charcoal and bark in a plastic pot with holes in the bottom and is watered once a week. Though the medium does not usually dry through within 3-4 days of watering.
I currently only have access to charcoal and bark and will be repotting my phal with charcoal.
It just finished flowering and is now sporting new leaf growth.

My dendrobium is mounted on wood and is watered every day.

From what I've researched I can conclude that there's been a fungal infection on their roots but I'm still not entirely sure as I've never come across a case as bad as mine.

Any other insight on the deformity, coloration or aftercare is very much appreciated.
(I do have access to hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol)

Attachment 133067 Attachment 133068Attachment 133069 Attachment 133070

The dendrobium's roots weren't as squiggly(?) as they were now when I got them. (if you know what I mean)
They have had problems with toxicity and root rot in the past so any insight on treatment and prevention is very much appreciated as well.

Attachment 133071 Attachment 133072 Attachment 133073 Attachment 133074

There are also rings on the dendrobium canes and a black spot on the phalaenopsis crown, any help is very much appreciated.

Did I screw up that bad?

I dont see anything wrong.
What is the problem with squiggly roots?
My orchids have squiggly roots too.

I don't see any problems either. Roots branch, wind around each other, utilize whatever space they have. If a root is damaged, it often produces a branch and goes off in some other direction If an orchid grows bare-root (on a tree or in a Vanda basket) in a humid climate such as yours roots might grow long and straight, but in a pot what you see is normal growth.

So it's completely normal for my phal's roots to start out dark brown and not have equal thickness throughout?
If so then how can I encourage root growth?

Thanks for the replies!

I just noticed you're in Indonesia!!
I am also in Indonesia.

Yes roots look normal.
Let the plant do it's thing. The plabt knows what it's doing.