I need some expert advice from those who grow Dendrobiums. Though my main interest is the Cattleya Alliance orchids, I decided to expand my species by purchasing Dendrobium plugs a few months ago. I started with 30 plugs and three varieties. The plugs came from my grower in Maui where I but my Cattleya plugs from. Anyway, I potted them up in 2-3" pots the same as I do with my Cattleyas, in a mix of fine Douglas fir bark, fine coconut chunks, and fine horticultural charcoal. Most of them appeared to be well-rooted plugs, though I admit I did not check on the roots at the time I potted them up. Mistake one! Anyway, after three months it was time to check on the progress of these Dendrobiums, and I unpotted them. Every single one, and I do mean all 30 plants, had roots that were completely dead and no new, viable roots are evident.. I cut away all the dead roots, leaving only about 1/4" nubs at the base of the plants. Some of the tops are still green though a few are showing yellowing.
Is there anything I can do to salvage these plants? I have never had this happen with over 200 Cattleyas started from plugs and am lost as to what to do. Ken in Mississippi
