Exposed orchid roots are a completely normal feature of these uniquely beautiful plants, and tending to them is an important aspect of orchid care.
Aerial orchid roots are most likely to occur in epiphytes species. In their native setting, epiphytes grow on other plants, such as on the branches or trunks of trees.
Unlike parasitic plants, orchids don’t hurt the tree because the humid air and the surrounding environment provide all the plant’s necessary water and nutrients.
In this article, we will explore the beneficial nature of aerial orchid roots and their care in greater detail.
Why Orchid Roots Appear
Though the development of aerial roots is most common in Phalaenopsis orchids, other different types of orchids may also exhibit this unique pattern of growth.
Orchid roots in air are used to draw both moisture and nutrients from the surrounding environment. This is achieved through the formation of dense root clusters above the surface of the plant’s medium.
In the wild, these structures are considered essential to the plant’s survival. However, where conditions are ideal, aerial roots will also grow indoors.
Healthy orchid roots should appear plump and have a glossy white or green appearance.
How To Treat Aerial Orchid Roots
Aerial orchid roots should be left intact, provided that they are healthy. As exposure to air is needed as a part of their primary function, surface roots should never be buried or forced below the surface of the growing medium.
Root structures should never be removed from the plant unless they have died back naturally or have become damaged in some way. Doing so may cause the plant to become stressed, ultimately resulting in the loss of vigor.
Continued care for aerial roots aligns closely with overall orchid maintenance. This includes regular misting as a means of watering orchid plants, as well as careful handling.
Do You Ever Need to Remove Orchid Roots?
Unhealthy orchid roots can be trimmed from the plant, as needed. Root rot is one of the more common orchid problems, and affected roots should be removed.
Dead air roots are often those that have lost their color or have taken on a dried, shriveled appearance.
The loss of aerial growth most frequently occurs due to inadequate levels of humidity or moisture within the air.
Dried or damaged roots are best trimmed from the plant after it has finished blooming. A sterile garden knife or pair of secateurs are considered the best tools, allowing for clean, precise cuts.
Be sure to sanitize your cutting tool by wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and bleach before you begin.
How To Repot Orchids With Aerial Roots
Though the thought of repotting orchids with pronounced aerial roots may seem intimidating, the process is relatively simple. However, the plants will require some special preparation in order to ensure success as it is repotted.
First, growers should consider hydration. Submerging pots into clean, tepid water will greatly prevent water-related stress.
A brief soak will also help to loosen the roots from the growing media, making for easier removal. The orchid can then be gently shaken from its container.
Trimming orchid roots should be avoided, aside from those that have browned or shriveled.
Plants can then be placed into new pots that have been filled with a potting mix suitable for orchids.
Check the size and type of container. If the plant seems a little too snug, move the orchid into a larger pot, because overcrowded roots may escape and look for space to grow above the surface of the soil.
Aerial roots should be positioned atop the pot so their growth resumes naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put orchid aerial roots in water?
Air roots are known for their ability to draw moisture from the atmosphere. Though briefly placing aerial roots into water can help to revitalize dehydrated plants, prolonged soaking or oversaturation may do more harm than good.
Growers should be careful to monitor humidity and moisture levels indoors, making sure that their plant’s unique needs have been met.
How can I tell if my orchid roots are drying out?
Most experienced growers are able to determine an orchid’s need for water based on the appearance of their plant’s roots.
Healthy roots are plump and have a full, green appearance. Dried roots are more likely to appear faded in color, and in severe cases, may have already started to shrivel.
Dehydrated orchids often benefit most from brief periods of soaking or routine misting.
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