| Miltonia and all thin rooted Oncidium alliance orchids never seem to have enough roots to survive but do very well with what they have.
What you thought was florist sponge in the pot is a seedling culture that enables the young plant to keep moist enough to grow. Without it a young plant is very hard to keep. Everyone should realize that with young seedlings (all types) it is important to keep them moist all the time. Much more than you would do for an adult plant.
The roots were probably fine. Root rot is not that common on Oncidium. Bulbs soften and rot first. Many Oncidium grow up and the roots of new growths remains out of the pot. I prefer to mount mine on wood so they grow up naturally. I let all exposed roots stay that way.
With Miltonia you need to remember they like cool temperatures (hard to keep in Florida) and like all Oncidium Alliance they benefit from constant air circulation.
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jerry  |