#OrchidLovers #FloweringPlants
#DancingLadyOrchid I am excited to be a new orchid mama and I just LOVE them. I have watched a few YouTube vids...should the roots be exposed like this? Am I right to not worry about repotting until the flowers die back?
8ft to light, indirect
Last watered 4 months ago
6
Best Answer
Oncidium roots are a bit different to phal roots. They are thinner and more sensitive. This doesn't change the fact that they are still epiphytes. They can deal with this. Many keep their oncidiums mounted (without any substrate) like any epiphytic orchid. Its just more of a hassle to hydrate them. Obviously, they are also used to it. Many sympodials tend to "climb" (though, as far as i know, e.g. cattleya types more than oncidium types), producing each new pseudobulb a bit higher than the last, which can easily lead to more roots being above ground than you'd like.
Your problem now will be:
1. Keeping the orchid hydrated throughout her bloom and keeping those roots viable until then. At their best, oncidium orchid can be thirsty. In bloom, even more so. Depending on how much root system there is in the substrate, I would supply additional moisture via the exposed roots. (E.g.by directly spraying some water on them every other day, depending on the room climate).
2. When you finally repot, and , I assume want to put the roots underground, keeping a many roots alive as possible. Again: oncidium roots are a bit more sensitive. They can be bruised more easily than phalaenopsis roots and they do not adjust quite as well to changes. Meaning: right now they are used to lots of air, and little surrounding moisture. When you repot them into the exact opposite, be prepared for dieback. You can soften the blow by and deal with problem number 1 at the same time, by placing some sphagnum atop/ around the bare roots and keeping it slightly moist. (Still letting it dry out from time to time, maybe).
This way you can enjoy the time it blooms, and prepare for the repot. And after the repot you might consider taking a look into the pot 2-3 weeks later to see if you need to remove more rotten roots. Oncidiums have lots of roots, meaning, if even only 10%of them die after the repot, that's a lot of rotting biomass, acidifying your fresh medium. Just remove new rot, you can reuse the otherwise fresh medium.
And if you want to know all about oncidium care or repotting tutorials with very helpful tips , as always I can recommend miss orchid girl's youtube channel. There you can see hands-on how to deal with the old roots during the repot for example without having to spend hours on the repot, trying to find the rotten roots.
Your problem now will be:
1. Keeping the orchid hydrated throughout her bloom and keeping those roots viable until then. At their best, oncidium orchid can be thirsty. In bloom, even more so. Depending on how much root system there is in the substrate, I would supply additional moisture via the exposed roots. (E.g.by directly spraying some water on them every other day, depending on the room climate).
2. When you finally repot, and , I assume want to put the roots underground, keeping a many roots alive as possible. Again: oncidium roots are a bit more sensitive. They can be bruised more easily than phalaenopsis roots and they do not adjust quite as well to changes. Meaning: right now they are used to lots of air, and little surrounding moisture. When you repot them into the exact opposite, be prepared for dieback. You can soften the blow by and deal with problem number 1 at the same time, by placing some sphagnum atop/ around the bare roots and keeping it slightly moist. (Still letting it dry out from time to time, maybe).
This way you can enjoy the time it blooms, and prepare for the repot. And after the repot you might consider taking a look into the pot 2-3 weeks later to see if you need to remove more rotten roots. Oncidiums have lots of roots, meaning, if even only 10%of them die after the repot, that's a lot of rotting biomass, acidifying your fresh medium. Just remove new rot, you can reuse the otherwise fresh medium.
And if you want to know all about oncidium care or repotting tutorials with very helpful tips , as always I can recommend miss orchid girl's youtube channel. There you can see hands-on how to deal with the old roots during the repot for example without having to spend hours on the repot, trying to find the rotten roots.
I don’t know much about orchids (I am also a new orchid mama) but orchids don’t need soil and it is perfectly fine for the roots to be exposed - you just want to make sure it is getting enough water. Picture of mine for context. I know she is a different type of orchid but they can be displayed with no medium, sphagnum moss, dirt, or a combination.
I think you’re right not to worry about repotting until the flowers are spent.
I think you’re right not to worry about repotting until the flowers are spent.
Hi Vannette. I don’t know about the roots being exposed—I imagine a couple aren’t a problem but with that many exposed, you might want to top it off with some more bark. In terms of flowering, yes, just enjoy the blooms and when they are finished blooming, you can cut the stalks and repot if you want to. I also have a dancing lady orchid that is just about to rebloom! I didn’t even repot it the last time it bloomed… maybe I will when she’s done. ☺️
I’ve accidentally been very successful with my first orchid. I repotted her after her first bloom by chance then read that it’s a good idea to repot between first and second bloom. Mine has air roots as well and I left them exposed she seems to like it. When I repotted I got an orchid pot and used Sphagnum Moss. She is about to have her third bloom. You might want to research what specific moss or medium your type of orchid likes though it may be different I only have experience with the type of orchid I have. Here’s some pics of her and her pot and her moss.
@MusicalRedmint thanks so much! This was very informative. Will head over to YouTube!