Excessive Arieal Roots

[Kevin_PR]

I've seen my Doritis do this. When it got really leggy to the point that the flower spike was causing the plant to tip over. I cut off the top part(all the leaves and a good #of roots) left the bottom part planted and repotted the crown. The bottom can form off shoots and the top will keep on growing. From 1 Doritis I got 3 now.

[llmills]

Thanks all. I must admit I feel really encouraged, not knowing much about plants/flowers - I really thought that they were in a very bad condition.

I am still on the hunt for a suitable pot, but as soon as I have found one I will let you all know.

Eskevingo - that is exactly what mine are doing, do they were laying against the window to stop them toppling over.

So once the flower dyes off I could cut and repot the top of it?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Those are some crazy healthy roots! Good growing!

I have heard various opinions on what to do with excessive roots.

Some say to never cut them. Just wind them around the central root mass & try to get them into a pot.

Others take sterilized scissors (flame-sterilized/cooled or soaked in bleach) and clip off enough to get them to fit into a pot. IMO, if you do this, you should probably wait a day after potting before watering so that you are not introducing water into wounds on the roots that haven't healed.

Either way, I would suggest re-potting, using a coarse, open potting medium, such as a bark-based Phal. mix, or plain fir bark. You can go with lava rock if you can locate it, or one of the semi-hydroponic media such as lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA).

You can find many example videos for how to repot on You Tube by searching for "repotting Phalaenopsis", including root-cutters & non-cutters.

Good luck!

[Kevin_PR]

Yes try to be as sterile as possible. You probably want to an inch or 2 below any leaves making sure you have enough roots to support the plants need for water.

[My Green Pets]

Just have to say those are absolutely stunning roots. And, as I've read here time and time again, roots are the key. So I'd never cut those beauties. Find a basket or slatted pot so you can show those babies off. Any orchid aficionado will swoon at them, and when the plants are in full flower there is a fascinating contrast.

[llmills]

Hi Folks

Thanks for all your help with everything over the last couple of weeks. I have finally managed to find something that suited them - just hope they like it now.

[Silje]

Originally Posted by llmills

Hi Folks

Thanks for all your help with everything over the last couple of weeks. I have finally managed to find something that suited them - just hope they like it now.

Looks good!

[Island Girl]

That does look good! and you can still see those beautiful roots! ...they almost look like/remind me of Spanish moss hanging down!

@HighSeas- Lol, that was creative! May have to use that one! heheh