Help! Repotting dendrobium with virtually no roots

[ccrow]

I just attempted to deal with my unhappy dendrobium; no wonder it was unhappy, almost all the roots were dead. I have cut off all the dead roots. It has a new cane starting, with some roots just barely started, plus one old cane with leaves that are more yellow than I'd like, plus a couple old canes with no leaves, and a couple of roots. I've put it in a clear slotted pot with an all-purpose orchid mix(coconut husk, sponge rock, stalite, granite chips)and improvised a 'greenhouse' out of a wire coathanger and some clear plastic. It's about a foot back from an eastern window.
So, advice is welcome... I have literally just repotted it so if I need to do something differently, I doubt it will be significantly more stressful for the plant. Please have pity on a newbie!!:-)

[gngrhill]

Sounds like you have done all the right things. I have had good luck keeping rescued Dens alive by repotting and keeping track of watering. Little or no fertilizer until roots are growing.

[campchi]

Sounds like you've done everything right. Just keep it in bright light and high humidity. What I've done with mine was add about 1/2 inch sphagnum moss for top dressing. This helps keep the humidity and induce root growth. I've had rescue both den. Phal and den. Nobile this way.

[ccrow]

OK, I will add some sphag on top, and no fertilizer. What is considered 'bright light'? It was in a south window, should I put it back there?

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by ccrow

OK, I will add some sphag on top, and no fertilizer. What is considered 'bright light'? It was in a south window, should I put it back there?

I would say "yes" as long as the direct sun is not shinning right on it. If the sun comes right in, then set it back from the window a foot or two. I would keep the sun kind of medium as I would want to see some root growth first so it doesn't dry out too fast.

[campchi]

Since it's summer time, provided that you have good air circulation, you can water it daily. I did it with two of my den Nobile, water them daily since they are out in the balcony. The roots now growing crazy after 2 months. They were rootless. It might help if you can get your hands on some seaweed or kelp fertilizer.