do "air" roots die if potted - Orchid Board

weederwoman · #1 10-21-2011, 01:18 AM

I read somewhere that roots growing outside the pot will die if they are put inside media when repotted. Is this true?
Thank you
Laurel

Bud · #2 10-21-2011, 01:26 AM

That is correct. That is why it is adviced to repot when there are new growth. When the root system has just started the season’s active growth, and new roots are developing. It won’t change what will happen to the roots that are already there, but it will give the plant a chance to grow its new root structure to coincide with the environment you’ve placed it in, and the new root system can take over for the old roots that are going to die off because of the changes. Your plant will suffer the least amount of stress, and it will be ready to bloom abundantly for you once again!

weederwoman · #3 10-21-2011, 01:35 AM

Bud
Would it be stupid to leave those roots still outside when I repot. I have a lot of mounts, so I'm used to misting roots. I don't think this catt alliance plant has been repotted in ages, and I worry about the root health inside the pot. The plant looks healthy enough, though, and has a bloom or two coming, hopefully. Thanks

Laurel

Bud · #4 10-21-2011, 01:51 AM

No you are not stupid; you are capable to grow orchids...you are above ordinary human minds! Your instincts are correct; leave the aerial roots as is if you can do it...and yes misting also helps...There’s certainly nothing wrong with letting those plants that do put out aerial roots continue to do so; orchids that are epiphytes (tree growing) grow aerial roots as part of their natural habit. As long as you continue to water and fertilize the roots growing outside of the pot as well as those growing inside, (and, assuming the medium in the pot has not begun to decompose,) your plants will do extremely well without all of their roots tucked into some container

Cym Ladye · #5 10-21-2011, 01:20 PM

I apparently, am on the other side of this fence. I successfully grew phals for many years and every time I re-potted, all the aerial roots went into the mix. I never had rot and they all thrived. I suspect it may be what mix you are potting into and your culture tecniques.

CL

weederwoman · #6 10-21-2011, 02:14 PM

cym ladye
Thanks for the input. I tend to pot in pure med-large bark for catts. I have a greenhouse with good air circulation that I keep very humid and in the rainy season here in Oregon the light is not optimal.
Laurel

RosieC · #7 10-22-2011, 04:14 AM

I've put them in the mix before with no problem, however I'm careful to keep them near the top/edges where there is plenty of air for them.

I also mist arial roots, so many of them are used to plenty of water, so maybe they adapt better as a result

Kelo · #8 10-22-2011, 05:07 AM

I've potted up ariel roots before and as long as you use the correct media and don't over-water there should be few problems - but there are always exceptions! lol

Leafmite · #9 10-22-2011, 10:56 AM

I've never had a problem burying roots that formally weren't buried and I often added a little more media to cover the roots that peeked out. I now have net pots so it's a losing battle (but I enjoy seeing the roots poking out). My media is lava rock, though, and it lets plenty of air around the roots.
Leafmite

Starla · #10 11-05-2011, 02:09 PM

I always leave aerial roots out the mix. I think they look lovely and are part of the fun of having orchids! If I was an aerial root, I would want to stay aerial...