Aereal root tip broken off

[Maree]

Hello - I dropped one of my orchids on another and broke the very tip off an aereal root. Will it continue to grow or stay as is? I was so excited, it's my only aereal root on all of my orchids. Thanks much -Mel

[dounoharm]

not to worry too much, it will probably branch off with more tips....what type plant is it?

[Maree]

Thanks for your positive response it's a Wedding Promenade Phal.

[Myst]

sorry Maree i dont know what you should do but if i may highjack this thread with a similar question aerial root question.

one of my aerial roots is cracked/bent.

should i just trim it off?

[Ross]

Sorry my response didn't go, but we all sometimes break off the green growing tips of orchid roots. I did one not long ago, myself. A short answer is that the end of the Phal root will be dead (at this point) and stop growing. But the root is far from dead. In my experiense, the root will continue for a long time and sometimes send out side roots, but I wouldn't coun't on it.

[camille1585]

From what I've noticed broken aerial roots usually branch off at some point or another, but not always. Even if it doesn't grow anymore, it still serves a purpose and is very much alive. On my Neos, I noticed it just seems to start growing again from where it broke.

Myst, leave the root as it is! The cracked part is just the velamen, which is the outer 'coating' of the root that absorbs moisture and nutrients. The true root is a thin strand in the center of the velamen. A cracked velamen is not a problem, it still does its job and the root is still alive. most of my phals have at least one cracked or bent aerial root.

[kiki-do]

I would dab a little cinnamon on it, but it should be fine.

[Myst]

cinnamon? really? woah...cinnamon, orange juice these orchids are making me hungry

ty camille i will leave my valemans alone!

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by Myst

cinnamon? really? woah...cinnamon, orange juice these orchids are making me hungry

ty camille i will leave my valemans alone!

Yes, cinnamon is used alot among orchid growers. Anytime an orchid gets a nick, cut leaf, or any type of hurt, cinnamon is sprinkled lightly on that area only to help heal and prevent bacterial growth. Any time I have to cut a piece of an orchid, I use it to help with the healing.
you will find that cinnamon, listerine, and rubbing alcohol is a staple among us growers.

[Myst]

that is fascinating and tasty news

thank you kiki