Orchid Roots - Orchid Board

Spot Baby · #1 07-29-2009, 11:30 PM

Hello,
My name is Kristy and this is my first post. I have enjoyed growing orchids for a few years now, but I have so many questions. Mainly, my orchids have attached themselves to their surroundings, (a tree, and a wooden fence). How do I repot if the roots are strongly attached? Is repotting absolutely necessary?

Psyguy10 · #2 07-30-2009, 12:35 AM

to the OB Kristy!

As for your orchids, i must ask...

Are they growing upon the wooden fence/tree or are they potted and their roots have spread to the surrounding surface?

Zoi2 · #3 07-30-2009, 12:48 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board.
Joann

Doc G · #4 07-30-2009, 01:32 AM

Since your orchids are outside, you could just remove the pots and let them grow on what is more natural for them...trees. It may be easier to remove roots from a fence than a tree, because it is probably smoother. Wet the roots, especially where they are attached, then take a long time and a lot of patience to loosen them. You will probably still lose some roots. It may not be necessary to repot. If the plant is not overly crowded and the growing media is in good shape, then you can leave it. What you might want to try if you do need to repot is to have someone help you hold the orchid in place while you remove the pot. Prepare a new pot and put it on the orchid. Make sure everything is secure and you should get a couple years growth before you need to do it again. If I had orchids growing in trees...I would be happier than I am now.

dounoharm · #5 07-30-2009, 02:03 AM

what a lovely problem for a novice to have!! that means you are most likely doing everything right and your orchids are happy!!! good growing!

orchidsamore · #6 07-30-2009, 08:23 AM

This is a common even if nice problem in Florida.

At this point unless you need to move them for another reason do nothing.

Re-potting is not necessary for mounted orchids which is what yours has become naturally. If you remove the pot you will probably fine all dead roots in the pot. The plant is living on the roots outside the pot on the fence.

You could remove the pot to get a more natural look.

Removing the plant from the fence requires a lot of root damage no matter how careful you are. Unless moving is necessary like you sold the home, just leave it.