Orchids can grow aerial roots in all directions outside their pot, which is a natural and important part of their growth and function. Air roots are normal in Phalaenopsis and other epiphyte orchids, which grow on other plants like trees in tropical rainforests. These roots are essential for the orchid’s growth and survival as they help absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through the formation of dense root clusters above the plant’s surface.
To repot an orchid with air roots, soak the entire orchid for 10 to 30 minutes below the stem or rhizome to make the air roots malleable. Determine whether each aerial root is present and provide fresh potting. Aerial roots are crucial for orchid growth and survival as they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through a special tissue called velamen. In the wild, these structures are considered essential to the plant’s survival.
Orchids use their roots to absorb nutrients from the air, absorbing moisture and obtaining carbon dioxide they need to thrive. Aerial roots also absorb water and nutrients in the air and aid the orchid in affixing itself to its host. When orchids put out air roots, they are looking for moisture in the air. As epipytes, orchids live on trees and use branches to absorb atmospheric water (e.g. rain, mist, dew) and conduct it to the root interior. They naturally want to make aerial roots to cling to tree trunks/branches.
To maintain the orchid’s health, keep it in a small pot so it doesn’t stay too wet too long and ensure proper watering.
📹 Aerial Roots on Orchids – Why they appear & How to care for them? | Orchid Care Tips for Beginners
If you’ve ever grown a Phalaenopsis Orchid you might have noticed the roots will start to grow outside of the pot. This is very …
📹 Orchid aerial roots – Why Orchids grow them, what to do about them
Today we talk about yet another suggested topic: aerial roots on orchids! More info below! For a more in depth look at orchid …
Add comment