NO air roots: Is this normal???

[Spookylady]

Two of my phals have air roots. Said roots are doing really well. I was just given another rescue phal and it has five or six air roots that have nice, green tips.

Three of my phals don't have any air roots at all. My question is, is that unusual?

[neophyte]

don't worry, it's perfectly normal. over time, your orchids will probably start to develop aerial roots.

[Roberta]

A lot of times, Phals in their original potting medium develop air roots because the environment in the pot has killed the roots that were there, or at least was unpleasant. If no air roots, the medium in the pot may be in decent shape if the plant is healthy. That can be a good thing!

[Ray]

Aerial roots are simply "standard" roots that haven't yet grown into the medium. In addition to water and nutrient absorption, they serve as mechanical stabilizers for the plant. If yours don't have them, they feel sufficiently stable.

Don't forget that, in the wild, ALL of the roots are aerial roots!

[Spookylady]

Thank you everyone for your responses. While I'm not seeing a lot of air roots, I am proud to say one of the little phals I rescued is growing a new leaf!! I'm so excited. This one was mistreated by its previous owner. I put it in full water culture to try and bring it back to health and I think it might be working! Flickr