Black Shrivelled Roots

[dlk]

I am a new orchid owner - unfortunately, I don't know what kind of orchid I puchased (no info given at purchase), guess I'll have to find that out later - it's basket hung, no stratum, just a hanging, exposed root system. Anyhow, I've had her for over a month now and she's just beginning to loose her blooms - that's okay - she's been fully bloomed the whole time and I was expecting it. What I'm concerned about is her roots - we went through a small heat wave and she was expose to too much afternoon sun - the roots went black and shrivelled up - I've soaked and given root fertilizer, but they're not recovering. The only change I've seen recently is some new root growth at the very tip of some of the blackened roots. Can I trim the bad roots? I know they can't possibly be absorbing nutrients, but I don't want to hurt her. I can't stand the thought of instantly killing my new baby - your help would be so appreciated.

[fred]

welcome to the forum

i hope that you enjoy your stay here with us.

i honestly think for us to have a good idea as to how we can help you with your orchid we would love to see a pic of the plant before any cutting or trimming advise.

we may also be able to tell you what sort of orchid you do have for further advise like watering, feeding, repotting etc etc

[Ellen]

Sounds like you might have a vanda. If the roots that are hanging down have new growth at the tips, don't cut them!

[kmarch]

Dear dlk,

Welcome to the forum!

As a rule, damaged plant tissue does not regenerate or "heal" like human tissue does, but that does not necessarily mean those roots are dead and gone. if you have new root growth that's good. Let them grow. Learn from the incident and don't let the roots get exposed like that again.

It would help us to give you more useful advice of you could post a picture of your orchid, plant, flower, or whatever you have so we can at least identify what type of orchid it is.

Cheers