If orchids could talk, I would get a major telling off
 

Based on the number of roots down in the pot versus all the roots trying to get as far away from the pot as possible, I think it's safe to say that this plant not happy with the potting situation! This is the thanks I get for saving its life! :rofl:

https://i.ibb.co/QXwnpRb/1024-1820.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/fSFCrDJ/1024-1821.jpg

As to the back story, this is a Neofinetia which I recieved nearly rootless a year ago. I potted it in bark, top dressed with sphag, and it started producing lots of new roots. I've tried coaxing them to grow into the bark, but nope. Looks like I'll be potting it in tradition sphag mounds like the rest of its buddies...

Lol. I think you might get a thank you first. From no roots to that is a big improvement

Yep, it doesn't appear to appreciate the way you've rescued it and brought it back to life.

"Darn it Camille! You know I want to be in a cute little ball of spaghnum! Quit playing around with me and get 'er done! I wanna look just like my cousin Nita!!"

:rofl:

So, I did what the plant wanted and repotted it in a sphag mound.

Once I unpotted it, the extent of it's dislike for bark became very clear.
https://i.ibb.co/sV2kkSG/DSC-0408.jpg


At the base of the plant you can see the old rootless stump it had when I received it last year (seller's reply is that it's alive and will tlc it will grow new roots so he doesn't see the problem with selling a nearly rootless plant. But I disgress.)
https://i.ibb.co/dPZk5np/DSC-0410.jpg


Freshly potted up with NZ sphag using the hollow mound technique. I really hope it likes this more than it liked bark! Now, no more whining from you, I want to see those roots stay IN the media!
https://i.ibb.co/mGT9Fz4/DSC-0411-2.jpg

That looks really nice! :)

Hi Camille:
The Neo (Vanda) looks great and you did a good job! But, I don't think it is ungrateful for letting its roots wander. Remember, the roots are for not only taking up water, they are also used for anchoring the plant (any epiphytic orchid) in a tree. It's looking for another branch to cling to. I also was disappointed with a Aerides because of the dangling 'spooky' roots. Then I finally came around and learned to admire them : -)
Happy growing,
Maryanne

True - it could be what Camille mentioned. But could also be a case of roots being able to grow where they can. So if the roots can't handle a particular medium (ie. run out of oxygen and die in that medium), then hopefully we can find roots elsewhere - such as above the potting media (if the humidity is able to support it).

If roots don't get supported by both the potting media and the media (eg. humid air) above that potting media, then the orchid isn't going to make it.

Also (maybe) have to keep in mind the things about regular roots and 'adapted' roots. Regular roots handle regular conditions. Adapted roots can handle more moist or more watery or full watery - lower O2 - conditions. So sometimes - if regular roots potted abruptly into media that stays moist or wet for too long, and they take a bad turn - then at least we know what's probably going on.

It is assuming other factors (temperature etc) are under good control. :D

Hey Camille... what I’m most grateful for right now is you aren’t overwhelmed by having to be the sole mod on the boards, and have time to just be you and do your thing. It’s just wonderful to see ya doing something fun here. Ya deserve it so much! XOXO