Overfertilized Dendrobium: Salt Damage and Root Recovery

Too Much Fertilizer = Root Death

Dark roots + white crust on stem = fertilizer salt burn. Dendrobiums need minimal feeding; excess promotes keikis over blooms and kills roots.

Diagnosis

• Squeeze roots: coating slides off = rotten.
• Wash roots: live = white/gray; dead = brown/dark.

Recovery

1. Remove all old media.
2. Trim dead roots.
3. Repot in SAME SIZE pot (Dendrobiums like tight roots).
4. Fresh orchid mix.
5. Water sparingly until new roots show.
6. Feed ¼ strength, infrequently.

Pot Size Matters

Overpotting retains moisture → more rot. Dendrobiums thrive root-bound.