Aerial Roots on Phalaenopsis

[matthewoc]

I have a few Phaalenopsis that bloomed last year, were repotted and maintained, and have bloomed again. All are healthy, show good root growth, grew several new leaves etc.

My question is that two of them have several substantial aerial roots that stick out horizontally, up to about 10-12 inches long. I don't spray the plants, just water them once a week or so.

Would it hurt the plant to cut these off? It is purely an esthetic question - e.g. cannot fit them easily on a shelf. I note that they are rarely present on plants for sale, so presume the growers either remove them, or have conditions that do not favor their formation?

Thanks