Rotted roots

[Ray]

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that roots grow optimized for their environment, then cannot change, so a change in the environment is stressful to them.

We mostly employ this knowledge when repotting, doing so just a new roots are emerging from the plant, so they'll adapt to the new environment and support the plant, but we cannot ignore that for other times.

A change in the growing environment (seasonal, for example) or in the potting medium (compacting or decomposing) can achieve the same compromised state.

[Dollythehun]

Ray, interesting topic. I am really starting to notice differences in media and root growth. Not specifically rotting but, being aware of differences in size of media in conjunction with root size and health.
In fact, I think you started me down this path with comments on my Maxillaria buchtienii. Andy said water 3 to 5 times a week ( in a net pot of sphag). You thought that was excessive. I cut back and got pleated leaves. I replaced the moss with fresh and stepped up the watering, roots looked good). The leaves straightened out and it flowered. Looking at leaf color, I put it outside and replaced the moss only to see degraded roots. So, I used moss mixed with cork, bark, and large sponge rock for more air flow. This started me thinking of a discussion of root health. Sometimes this would be trial and error. I'm in the experimentation stage now...