old roots

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With many of my oncs, I notice when I repot that some of the older roots are not rotten, but come off when they are pulled on. Is this normal for some of the finer roots that many oncidiums have. I just checked the roots system of my Sanderara Black Star, and while there is strong new growth and new roots in the pot, many of last years roots can be pulled off.

Thanks,
Cam

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Here is a picture:

[tuvoc]

I'm not sure if I can give a definitive answer, Cam, but my experience with these guys is that their roots can be very brittle, and can be broken very easily. I've given up worrying too much if I lose some of them. Yours looks very good, so I would say, be careful as you can, and just live with loosing a few. Hope this helps till the experts chime in.

Kim

[Brooke]

You are witnessing the natural demise of the roots without the telltale sign of root rot. When the roots die from old age instead of rotting, they remain the natural color. The dead roots velamin will pull off and the little "string" on the inside will be visible then.

Congratulations you have a well grown and tended plant

Brooke

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Oh good! The plant is sending out lots of new roots, and since Oncs have lots of roots, I guess theirs dont last as long as some of the larger phal roots.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by brooke

You are witnessing the natural demise of the roots without the telltale sign of root rot. When the roots die from old age instead of rotting, they remain the natural color. The dead roots velamin will pull off and the little "string" on the inside will be visible then.

Congratulations you have a well grown and tended plant

Brooke