Roots

[Daniel62]

Well, here's my question, does it hurt your orchids to let their roots grow out of their pots, if you water an feed them correctly?
My Catts are always wanting to grow out of their pots. they all seem to be doing well, with new growths and sheaths being produced. Plus I kinda like the look of the root going every witch way. Kinda junglely looking.
Thanks

[glengary54]

The short answer is no, think of how there grow in nature, it is more an issue of esthetics, if you like the look go for it. And by the way, Welcome to the Board.

[RJSquirrel]

as per our last meeting of the minds. while roots are fine growing out of the pot, aerial roots will not grow in media and the roots in the media wont live out the pot. So these roots are specialized to meet the needs of the plant. If the plant grows profusely aerial roots then there is a problem with the roots in the mix. There is nothing wrong with roots out of the pot, when you repot these aerial roots they will more than likely be lost. I have been told when you re-pot to cut the aerial roots off. Dont bother potting them up as they will not grow. I have pretty much found that to be true but always exceptions to orchids more than rules.

[tucker85]

Aerial roots serve the same function as roots in the medium. They absorb any water that comes in contact with them and they can also absorb water vapor from the air if there's enough humidity. One plus is that they will never get root rot. Some orchids will grow more vigorously in a wood basket with mostly aerial roots. Having said that, if you're growing and displaying the orchids indoors, you may prefer the way it looks if most of the roots are in the pot. That's fine too. Good luck.

[cday2inflorida]

Roots know what is best them!

Welcome from Florida

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

.......... when you repot these aerial roots they will more than likely be lost. I have been told when you re-pot to cut the aerial roots off. Dont bother potting them up as they will not grow. .........

RJSquirrel,

If these aerial roots are "specialized" to absorb water and nutrients only from the air and will die if placed in the pot, how do you explain when pots are placed in close proximity that the aerial roots of one plant are very happy to quickly establish themselves and thrive in their neighbors' pots when given the opportunity?

I have re-potted many phals in my orchid life and I never cut the aerial roots, but gently curl/screw them into the new mix when re-pottiing. Often, these may be the only roots available if a plant has serious root problems because of mix break-down.

[glengary54]

I think everyone who has commented might find this research paper interesting. It is from the Botanical Gazzette 1957. It is quite technical but the synopsis is understandable to a layman.

JSTOR: An Error Occurred Setting Your User Cookie

Ignore the error message, the link works.

[Daniel62]

thank you everyone

[RJSquirrel]

those aerial roots that dig down into the pot arent aerial roots anymore either are they? you just said that yourself ..they have just specialized to meet the need.

and if the roots are doing so well, why do you have problems with the roots in the pots?


just saying

[Cym Ladye]

In easy to understand terms, with confirmation from the University of Chicago publication, it would appear that the primary purpose of aerial roots with velamen cover, is to search for material to hold on to and "grow into" and then convert to a nutrient absorbing velamen covered root.

In my experience, when a large number of aerial roots start to appear on a phal in cultivation, it is a sure sign of a deteriorating media. When one gets into the pot, one finds many dead roots, usually at the bottom of the single growth. My practice is to remove the dead bottom of the stem and the dead roots, and supplement the remaining good existing roots with the aerial roots and "screw" them all into the new mix in the new pot. This converts the aerial roots to terrestrial roots where they can perform their intended function.

CL