Neglected orchid, which bits should I trim and should I re pot? (Pics)
 

Hi everyone, I have very little knowledge on orchid care and have looked online for how to manage one I have had for a few years but can't find anything that has helped so thought I'd come here and ask.

I got this orchid (don't know what type it is) a few years ago and it has never flowered since I first got it. i thought it had died but recently there have been two new shoots but the roots all look dead so I have no idea where to trim them. I also should probably cut the old dead stem but up to which point? There seems to be new white shoots growing from the dead roots but I don't know what to do or where to cut! Any advice would be appreciated as I've never kept one alive this long. Thanks, Rachael

Don't be in a rush to trim anything. You could gently pull off the dead leaves (or they'll fall off anyway) but for the rest, this appears to be a Dendrobium that is just waking up from winter dormancy (putting out new growths and new roots) The roots look excellent. The leafless canes are still contributing to the plant, since they are green . You could gently peel off the loose dry "coating" of the old canes, but if you don't won't hurt anything. Many Dendrobiums that go through a winter dormancy bloom on old leafless canes... so you would not want to cut those until they are shriveled and brown and dry. I would suggest just repotting in bark, get rid of that moss that is on the top of the pot. I can't tell from the photo of the pot has a drain hole. If not,you need to pot in something that does. Dendrobiums do need good drainage... water well (so the water runs through) then wait until the bark is nearly dry (but not totally dry) - you can test down into the pot with a wood skewer, water when it comes out dry or barely damp. From the looks of the plant, neglect during the winter was exactly what it wanted!

Good job, Rachael. You have new roots and shoots. That is every growers goal! You are probably going to water throughly twice a week now adding some dilute fertilizer...Quarter strength.

That's great thank you for the advice, glad I asked!

right, don't cut, the leaf less cane is feeding the babies.

I agree with the previous posts especially the recommendation that you make sure the dendrobium is placed in a pot with drainage holes. The roots should not be allowed to sit in water or you'll end up with root rot.

I have always found using a skewer to determine when the orchid needs to be watered is very helpful. Leave the skewer in the pot and before watering, pull it out & press it against your cheek. Water only if the skewer feels barely damp or feels dry.

Clear plastic pots allow you to view the condition of the roots and can help detect any developing problems early on. Choose a pot that is just large enough to fit the roots in. Most orchids prefer to be pot bound. You can then sit the pot in a larger clay pot or something more decorative for stability. Just make sure it's not a tight fit or the roots won't receive the air they require to dry.

By the way, those roots don't look dead to me so don't trim them. Good luck & let us know if you have any more questions.

I've cleared the moss and put it in a new pot with barlk and holes and will water it according to the advice you've given. I haven't touched the roots or the stem. Looking forward to watching it grow over the summer thanks everyone :)