inducing roots

[Wrebbitrocks]

here i go again i am desperate to save that oncidium of mine with little or no roots. what is the easiest and fastest way to induce roots. should i use rootone, superthrive, sphagnum in bag method?

[Cookiemonster]

I would recommend KLN- not on your list.
I tried superthrive and nothing really happened, and never tried rootone- I'd rec KLN as it has helped my plants with a few bad roots to push out some nice fat ones I HTH

[Ray]

K-L-N and SuperThrive both contain rooting hormones and B1, so should induce rooting about equally. However, the rooting hormones degrade quite rapidly, so an old bottle of either can be worthless.

Chemicals aside, warmth, shade, and maximum humidity is the best combo for inducing root growth.

[camille1585]

I don't know if this is true, but I have heard that Oncidiums are like Catts, they will not regrow roots on mature bulbs. I noticed on one of my Onc. hybrids (that I saved from death!) that the new root growth came from the immature bulbs or the brand new growths. The old bulbs never grew more roots and eventually died after using up all their reserves.

Is this true?

[cirillonb]

Originally Posted by Ray

K-L-N and SuperThrive both contain rooting hormones and B1, so should induce rooting about equally. However, the rooting hormones degrade quite rapidly, so an old bottle of either can be worthless.

Chemicals aside, warmth, shade, and maximum humidity is the best combo for inducing root growth.

Ray,
How rapid is rapid for rooting hormone degradation. Does this occur only when the container is open or is a shelf life (none is stated on the container.) When it discolors is it done?
thanks,
Nick

[jkhom]

I've experienced the same thing. Had root problems with 2 of my oncidiums.
When new pseudobulbs developed, all new root growth came from the new bulbs. Old bulbs are fine, just no new roots.

[Wrebbitrocks]

i like the sound of KLN. how do i use it

[quiltergal]

KLN gets diluted one tsp/gal water. I use it when I repot in the spring to give the plants a little kickstart. Rootless orchids can be soaked in a bowl of water for 30 min. then throw it in sphag n bag. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I haven't been able to find KLN locally so ordered it from Ray. It's kinda stinky.

I think Camille might be right about old pbulbs not growing new roots. If your Onc. doesn't have a new growth it may be a gonner. I have found my Onc. alliance plants to be doing really well in semi-hydro. They like lots and lots of water especially in the summer.

[Cookiemonster]

I agree with Quiltergal- KLN smells mighty funky hahah, but I find its worth it, I use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per gallon--- I use it with just about every watering, and most of my plants have taken off But as Ray mentioned high humidity and warmth are key!
I think its good for plants that have been struggling and to rescue them!
I think old pseudobulbs dont really push roots I find that even with my catts- mostly its the new growths that push roots and those sustain the entire plant!
Good luck and let us know which path you take

[Wrebbitrocks]

I'm just about done trying to save it. the one new growth it had, just rotted. it pushed out ten or so new roots only like a few millimeters long before dying. now its just sitting there. its still bright green but not shiny or rigid. it feels like paper? anyone in tucson willing to try?