Repotting Oncidium Root Mass

[mycuppybear]

Hi, I have 6 orchids that haven't been doing well for some time. They are all types of oncidiums and over time all of their leaves dropped and their pseudobulbs became very mushy. It got to the point to where I had to remove any remaining pseudobulbs because it looked like they were all in a state of decline. This has happened to many of my oncidiums. I used to think it was bugs, but now I'm thinking it was just rot. Besides that and spraying an insecticide/fungicide, I haven't done much else. However, I decided today to pull them out of their pots and look at their root systems to see if there was even any hope for them. Looks like they all have a lot of roots left. Most look mushy/rotten, but there are some solid ones close to where the pseudobulbs were cut (coming out of it) and also some have what looks like new, plump, green ones. I am posting pictures of all of the orchids below. Could anyone please help to inform me of how to repot these orchids? I assume I need to leave the remaining sliver of pseudobulb from where these roots are attached? I don't think I can pot roots only. Also, I assume I should cut off all dead, unhealthy looking roots, even if that means there are only a couple left. How should I place what remains in the pots and what medium is best?

Thanks for any help

[mycuppybear]

Hi, I went ahead and repotted all 7 of the oncidiums. I did some research and finally found out what to call the part that the roots are attached to. Now I know it's called the rhizome. That's all that is left of all of these plants-the rhizome and roots. The rhizome doesn't look like it's in great shape, but some of them look like they still have healthy roots attached. So I went ahead and gave it a shot. I soaked them in water for about 20 minutes in order to remove all of the old potting media, and then removed any mushy roots. I used new fir bark (only) that I had soaked for about 4 hours before using. I put small lava rock pieces at the bottom of the same plastic pots for better drainage, added some bark, added the roots/rhizome, and filled with more bark. Before adding the plants, I coated them all with rooting hormone hopefully to help stimulate growth. There is a picture below of all of them. I will now leave them alone for about 1-2 weeks without water because they are super wet and everything I've read says to do this. They are now sitting in a west window on trays filled with water and pebbles for humidity. I hope something good comes out of it!

[digitalgate]

eh... i dont see anything that is worth saving for the time being as it look pretty much rotted . You might want to check your growing micro climate . It is possible you might have insufficient light. Spring is here, you might want to consider out door growing for the next 6 months.

[Phalcycle]

Im sorry to say but I think there is no hope for your oncidiums.
I think you should start over with fresh healthy plants, and grow from there. You can only learn from your mistakes,
I think the problem was that overwatering? or like digitalgate mentioned "It is possible you might have insufficient light"

[orchidaddict789]

Yeah, unfortunately, when the rot has progressed so much that there are no bulbs/leaves left, an orchid can be pronounced dead. The rot will have killed off any new growing "eyes," which are located near the bases of pbulbs, and these are where the new growths come from. It looks from the photos that the rhizomes are affected too...

As said above, overwatering and low light could've been the causes. In addition, there may have been insufficient air flow, water left on the plants during the night, a case of stubborn fungal infection, or a combination of these factors. It's best to start over with new orchids--we all learn from our mistakes (I killed my first 4 orchids in a row). Good luck!

[digitalgate]

The really good news is you just kill your first plant . I have killed over hundreds of plant myself before i learn any thing about my growing area. Don't loose faith , welcome to the club. You just become wiser.

[orchids4me]

I'm sorry to see this
The part conneted to the leaves and below are the roots on oncidiums is calle the pseudo bulb or p/b or pb you will see it written as in threads its that fat oval or roundish bulb area.
Its time to go get yourself a new beautiful orchid and try again we are always here to help. If you do go get a new one what type are you going to get this time ? Same or different ? Don't forget to post a pic and show off you new chid we love pics
Good luck
Emmaye

[zaeem]

Sorry bad luck an earlier attention when leaves started falling may have stopped the rot.Those green roots if repotted may push a growth.Good luck.