Phalenopsis root question

[silken]

Originally Posted by kmccormic

Silken:

What about roots with breaks on them? As in you can see a break in the root with the inner string connecting top part to the bottom, but both sides are silver/green and firm or springy. That's part of what I trimmed off on this plant. Not sure if that was a mistake.

If they are healthy on both sides of the break I leave them. I don't know how they manage, but they do seem to live and grow like that. If there are black mushy areas at the end of the root, I cut that back to healthy green root. I have one right now with an air root that is broken and like you are referring to, but it is fine and the half after the break is fat and firm. If you can get KLN rooting hormone, it is helpful in stimulating new root growth. Most of the powder rooting hormones are too strong for orchids.