Funky roots! Help!!!!

[KitKat33]

Any suggestions on why the roots are growing like this Will be greatly appreciated

[SouthPark]

That's normal. This type of orchid and other types have roots that can just grow all over the place. The ones that just grow out surrounded by nothing but air are 'aerial roots'. It's normal, and just allow them to grow like that. They can still draw moisture from the air --- for the plant to get water.

While we call them aerial roots, they're nothing more than the orchid's roots.

This one's a vanda type of orchid, right?

Also ----- you mentioned roots 'growing like this'. If you suspect some issue that we can't clearly see or identify from the photograph, then just describe what you think the issue is - ie. describe the situation for clarity.

[Roberta]

Yes, that's what Vandas do. If they get enough moisture and humidity, they can grow roots that are longer than the plant is tall. If you have recently acquired this plant, you will need to look at what you need to do to keep it happy. Where do you live? Will it be growing in a greenhouse, outdoors, or in the house (yikes!)?

[KitKat33]

Thank you for the responses. I just thought the roots were growing oddly. The roots on this plant looks much different than my others. They look like they want to grow then stop. Thought maybe it was sick.

---------- Post added at 10:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 PM ----------

Im near Tampa FL. They are outdoor vandas. I keep them in my outdoor lanai. Water twice daily. I alt weekly with dyna gro and dyna bloom

[Roberta]

I think that this will be a happy plant. The roots will go where they want. (I have found that when mounted, the roots don't get particularly intimate with the mount other than a few to hold on. The rest just do whatever they please, on the disorderly side. The ones on your plant look quite healthy.

[aliceinwl]

I found kelp based rooting stimulants had a pretty dramatic effect on my Vandas. On my three, one treatment was enough to get all the roots growing. The first one I tried it on has been growing roots continuously sine March. The other two I got seedling size a month ago and they’ve grown over an inch of roots.

[Swimmingorchids]

can't help with vanda problems as complete newbie with them but I can see what you mean - does not look normal to me either.
Looks like the roots get stunted and then grow side shoots which get stunted and grow more side shoots ending in a knobbly looking chicken foot root.

[Roberta]

Swimmingorchids, you certainly don't know anything about growing orchids outdoors in tropical Florida. This plant is fine. It will grow longer roots, one doesn't know under what conditions it was originally grown, shipping "insults" etc. But it is healthy.