Changes in roots

[Nancy]

I have a single Dendrobium phalaenopsis. I removed ti from the cocnut husk and potted it in bark. I allowed it to rest while it was not in active growth. It seems that something strange has happened to the roots. The top of a few roots are exposed, and these have taken on a dark brown color. They've also gotten very hard, in fact, they feel almost like wood to the touch. The plant is maintaining leaves on the top of the newest growth and this growth shows no sign of dehydration. I was just wondering if anyone knows what may have caused this.

[digitalgate]

it doesn't like the environment it is in right now. But it will adjust dont worry. Provide a
warmer environment if you can . (ever day above 70s with high humidity about 60%)
As it is getting colder in your area, a warm growing orchid will be stressed.

[sandra]

Nancy, the best time to repot Dends. is when new root growth is apparant. I typically don't wait but whatever I've read, it's always advised to wait for root growth. I do however, keep it very dry at first and give it time to just acclimate somewhat to the new medium and then, begin watering. Keep it very dry inbetween waterings until you see new root growth. Dends have an enormous amount of roots and some do turn slightly brown although you said these have gotten very hard. I don't think it's much to concern yourself with as it just went through a little bit of trauma in the repotting.

[Nancy]

I guess this could be said of my speckled catt, too. I repotted it when I was told by the nurseryman to do so but it wasn't putting out new roots at the time. I found out that this is especially importatant for Cattleya guttata, which is one of the parents in the cross. This plant also got the "wooden" effect on one of its roots. I'm glad to say that the plant seems to have forgiven me and is putting out a new growth. Thank you so much for the information. I am so thankful to be a member of this forum. I don't know what I'd do without you all.