Roots are springing roots

[MT-Phal]

Hi Guys,

So I have a random inquiry; my roots have began to branch, and what I find odd / frustrating is that all the branching is happening ABOVE the PA and it's been hell trying to guide them down into it. It's as if these new roots don't even want to be a part of S/H.

Is this odd? Is there any reason why roots would do this? There is only one new root coming out of the base of the plant, and it's hugging another root... which I also find annoying since on the opposite side that same thing happened and where those roots make contact the velamin has turned black.

I'm worried about all this b/c so far my roots, new growths, have for some reason not taken well to S/H. I've been considering going back to coconut chips, or using PA in a regular pot and just watering daily.

[Zoi2]

Are you keeping the top leca moist?
Joann

[CTB]

what type of orchid is it?

[tucker85]

I don't do s/h so hopefully Ray or someone with more experience will give you some advice. What I can tell you is that while some orchids are perfectly happy in a pot, others prefer to have their roots out in the air. Some orchids will constantly be growing up out of a pot and sending their roots out into the air. I wouldn't worry about it. I would let it grow the way it wants to. The fact that it's growing is a good sign.

[Bird Song Farm]

I have to agree with Tucker, especially if the plants you are asking about are Phals.
The air roots do not take kindly to being in the medium. They are adapted to growing in "the air", thus are often called air roots.
Sounds to me like they are fine but a picture would help alot............

[Ray]

Need more details: what type of plant, how large of a pot, temperatures, how long has it been in S/H culture, etc.

As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as a bad root.