Total Root Loss After Repotting

[WaterWitchin]

Dry and papery... probably not enough water after removing from sphagnum that likely stayed more moist. Transferring to new bark, you need to water more often than with the tightly packed sphag they were likely in from the grocery store. Next time, don't cut off the dry roots. Even if the velamen came off, the root may still be able to uptake some moisture while the plant is growing new roots.

What size bark?

[cherrypuff]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Dry and papery... probably not enough water after removing from sphagnum that likely stayed more moist. Transferring to new bark, you need to water more often than with the tightly packed sphag they were likely in from the grocery store.

Ah, this orchid was potted in a 5" pot with 100% Orchiata bark. At first, I was watering it when the roots on the side of the pot were looking silvery and frail (about twice a day). After posting about it here, many of you recommended that I cut back on the watering, which I have since done (once every 2 days). Because of this, I don't think overwatering was an issue here, but please feel free to correct me.

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Next time, don't cut off the dry roots. Even if the velamen came off, the root may still be able to uptake some moisture while the plant is growing new roots.

Got it, I will keep this in mind for the future.

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

What size bark?

Orchiata bark, 3/8" 1/2"

---------- Post added at 12:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

That's why it's always best to repot just as new roots are emerging from the base of the plant - the new roots will grow optimized for that environment and support the plant as the old ones fade.

Ah I see. The problem is, many of the root tips that were previously green and growing have since turned black and mushy.