Vanilla orchid root ball gone

[Deanah]

I live in S florida. Purchased vanilla orchid in pot about 2' tall on trellis with rootball in bark mix. I created a hole next to my palm tree and placed the contents within and attached orchid vines to tree. Vine attached to tree with many ariel roots and lush green leaves. Now is about 4' tall.

However, I noticed the bottom root ball has deteriorated and the vine is now not attached to the ground. Can it survive without the bottom root ball inside the ground?

I cut off the rotted areas of the root ball and have left it hanging. I am misting it every 2 days or so. Can I attach the bottom root to the tree as well or does it have to be in soil?

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[littlefrog]

It will survive just fine with roots not in the ground, they climb all over everything. Like most other orchids, it is epiphytic, which means it will grow in the air if there is enough moisture and humidity.

Since the portion in the soil rotted off, that was a good sign that it was too wet. I'd be reluctant to repeat that experiment unless you find a way to increase the drainage. Just let it climb the tree. You can take a cutting or two and try rooting them in dirt again if you want, maybe in the spring.

Originally Posted by Deanah

I live in S florida. Purchased vanilla orchid in pot about 2' tall on trellis with rootball in bark mix. I created a hole next to my palm tree and placed the contents within and attached orchid vines to tree. Vine attached to tree with many ariel roots and lush green leaves. Now is about 4' tall.

However, I noticed the bottom root ball has deteriorated and the vine is now not attached to the ground. Can it survive without the bottom root ball inside the ground?

I cut off the rotted areas of the root ball and have left it hanging. I am misting it every 2 days or so. Can I attach the bottom root to the tree as well or does it have to be in soil?

[Deanah]

Thank you!

[vmijct]

After a lot of loss and success, I agree with litlefrog.