Content
- Many aerial roots on an orchid - cutting off or not?
- Do not remove aerial roots prematurely
- Repotting is better than cutting
- Tips
Intact air roots should never be cut off
Many aerial roots on an orchid - cutting off or not?
Their unorthodox growth as a lofty plant causes the orchid gardener in the care sometimes headache. In particular, when countless aerial roots protrude from the pot, the handle is considered scissors. Why clipping is the wrong way and how to handle the root system properly, we tell you here.
Do not remove aerial roots prematurely
In the exotic physiology of an orchid, aerial roots act as the plant's vital arteries. Whether as a potted plant in the rainforest or in the coarse pine bark substrate as a houseplant, the long root strands take care of the supply of leaves and flowers with water and nutrients. As long as an aerial root is still silvery-green or creamy-white, every cut resembles an amputation. Only when a strand is completely dry, hollow and brown, may it be removed.
Repotting is better than cutting
With many aerial roots, the orchid signals lack of space in the pot or leached substrate. Show your flower diva that you have understood the non-verbal message and repot the plant into a larger culture pot of fresh orchid soil. Please choose an appointment outside the growth and flowering period. How to do it right:
The flexible roots are put into the transparent pot with a twisting motion. Then you fill in portions of the fresh orchid soil. To distribute the coarse ingredients evenly, pat the container now and then on the table top.
Tips
An orchid with many aerial roots is perfect for tying on a branch. Use durable wood on which to spread moist moss. The binding material is a 2-3 cm wide strip cut nylon stocking. Hanging in a room with high humidity, the orchid feels right at home.