newbie-ish question about roots sticking out

[ccrow]

I say newbie-ish because I have actually been growing orchids for several years
I've recently started transitioning to clear, slotted pots, and my phals insist on sticking their 'toes' out through the slots. They do all seem to like these pots much better, but for example, I can't check roots if the plant has grabbed onto the pot like that. I have a rescued one(cat incident- grrr) that looks like it's recovering but has stuck a root through a slot, so I can't get it out to have a look. I don't see any more through the sides, so I'm wondering if that's its only good root. And it isn't just that one doing it... How do you more experienced folks deal with this? They don't look like I would be able to get roots back through; should I just cut up the pot(s)?

[AndreaK]

I do not take my plants out of clear pots to check them. That is the benefit of the pot being clear - you can see without disrupting the plant. As far as roots growing out through slots, it is perfectly normal. When it comes time to repot you will need to carefully cut the pot away the best that you can. If you can not get all pieces of the pot off the roots it will not hurt to leave it (assuming that the pieces are small) and just place it in the new medium.

[silken]

As AndreaK said, partly why I use clear pots is to see what's going on in the root zone. I can see if the roots are green or silver. Silver means they are dry and may need watering, green is when they are still wet and too soon to water. Pulling them out repeatedly will just disturb it and slow its progress. Many of my orchids have roots climbing thru holes and over the top. It takes some extra care when re-potting for sure. Either cutting the pot, or soaking and then working the roots out. If it has tons of roots, which they often do, I sacrifice a few root tips if they won't slip back thru the cracks or holes of the pot, rather than always cut the pots. Some of the larger clear pots can be pretty heavy plastic. Pots with holes rather than the long slits make it easer to pull roots thru.