repotting

[Cory]

I have had Phalenopsis for quite a while and have had several blooms but still consider myself a beginner. I currently have two large plants that are in large pots (9in). Whenever I replant them into new pots there outgrow the container in a about 6 months. Can I just let them the roots grow over the sides? I have also never trimmed roots. Is this necessary?

[Sandra Billeter]

The roots growing over the sides of the pot are not a problem. Those are air roots and are normal. We never clip those roots.

Sandra in South Carolina

[Tindomul]

Should those roots be kept moist? I mean, should they be kept in a humid enviroment? Or will there be no ill effects if they are in a dry enviroment 24/7??

[Oscarman]

Air roots do benefit greatly from being in a humid/moist environment, although they seem to do fine not so humid also.

The phals that I have in my 'human' living areas have air roots that are exposed to the standard dry air of my home - no humidity tray, crushed rock, no frequent misting, blah, blah, blah. When watering these plants I am sure to give all the roots a generous watering and allow water to thoroughly refresh the air roots - these plants are growing and flowering well.

I also do not enclose air roots in the pot when repotting, nor do I trim them.........unless they are totally out of control........I have had air roots reach 1 foot long!

Trimming roots that reside inside the pot, when repotting is a good thing. You want to trim any obvious sign of decay and any damaged roots that will ultimately decay in time. Sterile cutting devices are a must.

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[Sandra Billeter]

Air roots should definitely be misted every time you water. When they become soaked they will change color to green from white. Drops of water may also form on the growing tips from drainage down the root and this is good. We try not to knock those drops off. Whenever we repot, we always put the air roots into or under the medium. The plant will produce more air roots if it needs them and you will have a stronger plant.

Sandra