Question
Hi,
I am having trouble with my cattleyas. When I get them they are green and plump, and the roots are nice. I let the medium dry out before I water. But the roots dry out and the rhizome start to wrinkled.
I leave a wooden skews placed in the medium near the plant to check to see if there is still moisture there.
I grow orchids unter light except for summer where I put them out doors. I still have the same problem with the roots drying up.
I catch rain water to use on my orchids. I use to put 1/4 teasp. firtilizer in a 1 1/4 gallon container everytime I watered. Now I water first then give the same firtilizer mix as I thought maybe this was burning the roots. They seem to turn tan color as they die.
What am I doin wrong?
Should I be misting the roots that are exposed on top in between watering or am I still watering too soon and they need to dry out more?
I have a hard time to know when to water my other orchids as well.
Thank you!
Phyllis from Minn

Answer
Many orchids, including Cattleyas, go through a rest period after completing growth.  If they are watered during that period, they could rot.  So, water and feed only when they are in active growth and mist with occassional watering when they are at rest. Do not feed them unless they are in active growth.  A high humidity is required most of the time or the aerial roots will dry.  However, it is likely that you have good roots in the pot.  The humidity that you have in the pot extends only a short distance beyond the pot.  Roots growing in this less humid region will not grow far beyond the pot.  You didn't mention the use of a humidity tray.  That could increase the humidity beyond the immediate area of the pot.

What you are doing seems fine. It's what you may not realize that could be a problem.  Most of aa potted plants root mass is in the pot, so I'd be much more concerned about that.  As the mix in the pot grows old, it allows less air at the roots and hold moisture longer.  Both of those conditions lead to root rot (in the pot).  If those roots are healthy, you are fine.  An annual repotting in fresh orchid mix is recommended at the beginning of a growing period so the new growth can root in the most favorable environment.  Repotting, which involves unpotting, allows you to examine the condition of the roots in the pot as well and to remove any that have rotted.