So I did air on the side of caution and rinsed the neem oil off of the roots. Thank you for your lovely comment and support – made my day! This is because you want the plant to direct all its energy on growing roots, instead of a flower spike which requires tremendous energy. Thanks for great article! They need high humidity and high temperatures, bright light, and turbulent air flow. Sorry to hear about your orchid. I just got a new plant the stem is curved and it is about 24inches long. I bookmarked this. 2. Especially in this case! But for now, you could just see how they get on with WC. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Many epiphytic and lithophytic orchids can be grown in containers filled with open, free draining specialist orchid compost. Another way to stimulate root growth is to put the plant in a container with only water in it. Use either a balanced fertilizer, like 20-20-20, which is a good general fertilizer. Is it ok for 100% of the terrestrial roots to be in the water, since they’re pinching off at the base? With roots like that, often the good part ends up dying too. Maybe this time you can make them last for years! They do serve a purpose and I wouldn’t normally recommend to cut them, but in your situation, you CAN trim them for space-reasons. I am so glad to have found your website and sure appreciate all of your knowledge and effort. I definitely love this sіtе. Root rot can happen so quickly sometimes. Means a lot. I had gotten a new plant for mother’s day and noticed that my other plants were looking a bit sad. I of course don't want to kill them. I’m an orchid enthusiast, and I created this blog to share my experience with these magical plants with you! You mean like slime or mold, or real hair-like fuzz? So when there’s no light, photosynthesis can’t occur, and therefore the production of chlorophyll can’t occur, which would have turned the root or leaf green. Just remember to use sterilized scissors when you do it! 3. Do I need to use a clear container for the roots to receive sunlight? Fsnny, Hi Fanny. This is the question. Oh wow, those are some long aerial roots! Fedja, Hi Fedja Then my new plant started dying, and realized that my orchids had been over watered. I did leave the particular roots we talked about, attached but unfortunately I did not gently scrape off the dead stuff up above so I will keep an eye on that. I just am having a hard time bringing myself to cutting that beautiful root off. Place your vanda orchid in an empty wooden basket and let the roots attach themselves to the basket or hang through holes. Good question. Trim away any dead or rotted roots before repotting in the sterilized potting media. 4. Is it ok for the aerial roots to be in the water? I have an old aquarium bubbler… Do you think that would help the plants at all, to keep the water from being stagnant and to give it air? It’s hotly debated in the orchid groups I follow as well, but I don’t care what other people say, my climate is simply too dry to grow any orchid bare root. I found your blog and decided to do the water culture. Orchids with fewer roots have a higher need for humidity, so using a water-retentive medium is beneficial. Is your orchid being pushed out of its pot, because of overgrown roots? (My husband probably thinks I’m crazy for trying to save these plants, but I hate to see them die!) Should you trim them? Take it out of its old potting media, rinse or soak the roots, clean the root system, and put in fresh media in a clean container. Glad to hear you’re giving orchids another go. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It will take time for the end part to die. Place your vanda orchid in an empty wooden basket and let the roots attach themselves to the basket or hang through holes. So keep an eye on that – no too high temps! Thanks so much, I didn’t want to kill it. This type of growing environment can be mimicked in cultivation to keep the plants happy and healthy. I hope this article has answered some of your questions relating orchid roots. Lol. The only spot by the window that is not direct sun, is a shady NW facing window. It depends on the growing environment, how long it takes for the roots to dry. 7. I’m sure it is very time-consuming for you but no you are appreciated. I have read stuff from. I pulled it out tonight to take a look and some of the tips of the roots are black again. /Irene. If you have wet your orchid’s roots and caused them to be pliable, you should be able to gently maneuver the mass of roots to untangle any, very gently, that are wanting to cross into others. I notice after a couple of days that the roots appear to get a little fuzzy, so I’ve changed the water. Cutting off the stems might seem drastic, but it will allow new, healthy stems to grow. I normally just clean out that upper part, remove the mushy section gently with my fingers. (I know it’s hard) At the time I also watered it with fertilized water using MiracleGro orchid food. This is called ‘Water Culture’. Hope this helped! Yes, you can do water-culture with the aerial roots. A couple of weeks later, I noticed my orchids not looking so great. Screenshots. In addition, the potting mix will become compacted over time, preventing proper airflow around the roots. And even then, some individual orchids might have to be transferred back to potting media, if they struggle in water culture. After that you could even let the orchid be for 1-2 days before repotting, so the roots have time to “air out” and the freshly trimmed tips close. Vandas are not properly beginner's orchids, and even among more experienced growers, they require certain elements that can be hard to deliver at home. I am starting to fall in love with these flowers and I am wondering if another plant can be spawn from its roots that stick outside of the pot. To prevent this, completely repot your orchid at least every other year, after the blooms fall. Spray with hydrogen peroxide 3% when finished cutting, to disinfect the roots. But if you are new to Phalaenopsis orchids, the term may be unfamiliar to you. Good to know though, not to do that again. I have grown a few orchards in my time and only one lived for years and did rebloom but then it eventually died so, I am trying again. They need time to adapt! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. When orchids are thriving, they will eventually outgrow their original pots and need to be repotted—and when they do, they'll need to be pruned. As you can see the "crown" is fairly high up away from the basket. But if they really disturb you, then you can put them in the soil as long as you can do it without breaking them. Best way to describe it, it’s as if it’s spidering out.. Hopefully the orchids will recover, so do you have any recommendations for the type of moss to use? I know…everything online says potting Vandas is NOT OKAY and that they’re ONLY supposed to be grown bare root. That said, as you soaked the roots that must have been enough to rinse off the excess Neem oil from them. Hatcher Answer. I sprayed my orchid roots after getting all of the medium out of there, with a weak solution of neem oil. Thanks a lot! I haven’t cut the pinched roots, since they appear otherwise healthy roots. This is a newer and a steadily growing way to keep orchids. Hi Evelyn Sarah. Spray with hydrogen peroxide 3% when finished cutting, to disinfect the roots. Even though most people find orchid flowers the most exciting part of keeping orchids, roots truly determine your plant’s overall well-being. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Some people love the look of air roots, but others find them visibly disturbing. Sadly, it’s not possible to propagate (phalaenopsis) orchids from the roots. Mold (white) should be rinsed off. "After lifting the orchid from the pot, remove all moss or bark from its roots," Rogers says. Trimming roots Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Leslie_tx, Jun 25, 2014. Another option that works inside the house as well as outdoors is attaching the roots to a cork slab and hanging it on a wall, or simply mounting the orchid on a wire hanger. Mist the roots with water every morning to keep them from drying out and make sure they receive a gentle breeze from an open window or low-speed fan on a regular basis to prevent rot from the humidity. This creates a humid environment which the plant can absorb humidity from through the leaves and aerial roots. Yes, you can. I’ve read that you recommened to repot new orchid and trim rotten roots, but my flower is blooming. I will be putting you on my home screen. Hi Beverly Also, remember to pick a suitable orchid potting mix when you repot: SEE HERE 5. Good luck! (Add water again when the roots look dry’ish) (Are you doing FWC or SWC?) The flowers were about 4 inch and they didn’t last Now that they dropped do I cut back the stem and if so where do I cut it? Most Vandas are epiphytes. When trimming the long stalk and dead roots from your mother orchid, the same rules apply: use rubbing alcohol to clean your hand shears and always leave at least 3 healthy roots to ensure the orchid can stay hydrated. Discover (and save!) So nice to hear from you again. So, can you cut orchid roots? GOOD LUCK! So can you trim air roots? Orchid Diva. To many orchid lovers’ surprise, orchids can live without potting media too. Another stimulant for root growth can be fertilizer. My orchid’s roots are definitely pushing the plant out of the pot. Removing all the bad roots is vital for the orchid to survive. Sometimes the plant can appear fine on the surface, but once you remove all the old potting media, you discover a bad case of root rot or dehydration, even a pest problem. All the best with your orchid journey! Hello Joselle! I had the plant for about 3 years now. So first you would have to pollinate a flower, which then turns into a seedpod. Vandas require bright l… Yeah it’s fine. Air Roots Of Vanda Orchid Plant Stock Photo: 48238164 Vanda On Old Bridge Timbers. Check the vanda regularly and move it to a larger basket if you see the roots filling the current one. In which case, you’re forced to trim all the dead roots, leaving the plant with few or even no roots at all. They’ve just at some point rotted from the top, leaving only the string part left. ArrestedDevelopment Nov 18, 2020 7:44 AM CST. I have a question, when the flowers drop I cut the stem back to about 3 inches. Hi, They’re kind of ugly! 249 Videos. As Vanda Orchids grow taller they often produce additional roots from various points up the stem (as seen in picture 3). Just remember moisture is important, so make sure to keep watering your orchid as needed. The aerial roots are natural and serve a purpose, so it’s best to keep them for the sake of your orchid. Orchidfriends.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Good luck! It’s worth a try. I found that your article great and very helpful to all orchid lovers. Vanda orchids like sunny environments more than other orchids, but this also means they are prone to drying out in the heat. So if you have this kind of yellow or white roots, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. 3. According to orchid experts, you should definitely not remove the roots. Do I understand that I can soak the air roots in the water culture? Thank you for your nice comment. Using a normal tea bag (black tea), dip it in lukewarm water until the water has a faint color. I have several orchid plants and some have rebloomed it does take awhile but I do enjoy the green leaves while I’m waiting for them to rebloom. They often form aerial roots outside of the container. I have used this method with orchids that had only a few roots left if any. (Also, consider adding humidity trays or water bowls, if you think the orchids need more humidity!) New ones will grow) If you think the aquarium bubbler is needed at some point, then try it out. And I am in the process of trying to save my original 3. Potting Vandas. And if you see it occur often, then give it some dry days. 6. Hi Kathy They’ve been in the plants for a free hours a day, and the leaves are still pretty dark green. Also, would just leaving a bowl of water next to the plant help? I’d only do 100% if I’m giving the roots a treatment – like the tea soak or fertilizer.. Other than that I’d cover only 3/4 (SWC) or 1/4 (FWC) of the roots. Rather than growing them in a pot filled with tree bark, you'll need to provide their roots with airier treatment. How do you trim Vanda orchid roots; Types of Vanda orchids; Vanda orchid propagation; how to hang Vanda orchids; Choose healthy Vanda plants or seedlings . I tried to water them, then I tried to NOT water them, since I wasn’t sure if the medium wasn’t properly draining. Thank you for this info. As the bottom part of the roots look strong and healthy, then just leave them be. It’s also extra satisfying to make struggling orchids thrive again! These cookies do not store any personal information. Why is that happening? Cutting orchid roots is necessary in case of root problems, like rotting and dehydration. Our goal is to provide a teaching tool that will help you search for and find the roots of your orchids. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Once again thank you Irene. your own Pins on Pinterest But it’s an identical clone of the orchid you already have, so do it only if you want two of the same kind. I have attached a pic of the MKRA Nauchie Eric and was wondering if I could trim the bottom at the black line I drew in the picture. They’re often found in the jungle, so they are used to humid, tropical environments. Orchid roots and leaves photosynthesize – photosynthesis produces chlorophyll, which contains the green pigment. Traditionally, re-potting is done no more than once annually after the orchid has re-bloomed for the final time before the dormant period. As it grows back, it will have stronger roots, bigger leaves and larger blooms. . Keep an eye on it though. Is it ok to add some fertilizer (diluted in water) to the tea water? Neem oil leaves behind a thin coating, so I wouldn’t necessarily want it on the roots – just in case it affects the roots’ water absorption. Here are the answers to your questions; 1. The leaf color will take time to change anyway, so just keep using the light. Can you please tell me what to do!!! 1. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 2a. Thank you for your precise advice. Take care, and please visit my blog again soon. So my question is, I just brought home an orchid from a garden center that was almost done blooming and putting a corner to sell cheap and so thought I should repot it and take a look at the roots which there were several shriveled above and below so no problem I get it, I cut those out. If you're growing your vanda orchid outside, you can tie the roots to a tree branch with cotton string, which decomposes over the course of about a year, the same amount of time it takes for orchids to attach their roots to the tree permanently. Congratulations! Cut the roots with a sterilized pair of scissors, removing all the dry or mushy roots. Vanda orchids like all other orchids have strong fleshy root growth. Orchids forum: Vanda root issue. Trim an orchid root or stem only if it’s dry and you’re certain it’s dead, but work carefully to avoid cutting too deep and harming the plant. Vanda orchids occur naturally in New Guinea, some islands in the western Pacific, and in East and Southeast Asia. Jun 25, 2014 #1. But if most or all the roots are fine, then choose a pot that is only slightly bigger than the old one. Since I’m trying to regrow roots, should they avoid the sun? Thank you so much for your help and information. Well written and easy to understand – has helped me a lot. Let only the roots touch the water. /Irene. There’s a good chance you’ll harm the plant or introduce a dangerous virus. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Another site was saying to cut them which didn’t make sense to me. Many of the roots in the basket are dead (a few are alive). Thank you so much for your positive comment! Good luck with your new orchid! , This answered a lot of questions I had, but what happens if roots keep growing outside of the pot even after repotting in a bigger pot? (Phosphorus is the middle number of the three digits displayed in fertilizer bottles). And large specimens, including their curtain of aerial roots, can easily grow to five or six feet in length. Firstly, if the plant has a flower spike or is starting to grow one, cut it off. Views: 355, Replies: 22 » Jump to the end. Many people prefer this method because it eliminates pest problems and saves growers from the hassle of having to repot. Make sure the specialized orchid compost reaches the roots of the vanda. Some people call it the orchid’s “baby”, but in reality it’s an identical clone of the mother plant. I don’t want to stress the plants out more than they already are. In cases like this, aerial roots are a savior! Trimming the aerial roots could cause the plant to struggle or even die due to disease or inability to absorb sufficient water and nutrients. Yes, you heard it right! in this video my vandas are dealing with fungus infection and also new healthy roots. Leave them be; they’re perfectly fine. Lift the plant from the pot and if the roots are brown, then they are dead and need to be pruned. 4. Yes I did let it soak in water for a while like maybe 10 minutes before I repotted it. Thank you again for the lovely comment! Is this even possible? . Do you think that was a bad idea? The only function the roots have is to absorb water and nutrition to the plant, and to hold on to the growing surface. I would have sprayed them with hydrogen peroxide but I didn’t have any that was active but I do know. And hey, I’m here for you if you need more help! — P.J. Cutting orchid roots is necessary in case of root problems, like rotting and dehydration. Instead of using potting media, the orchid is simply placed in a glass vase/container, letting only the roots touch the water. An orchid with minimal to no roots is worrisome, but we have lots of tricks we can try to get it to sprout new ones. Is a little fuzzy ok? Top cutting Vanda Orchids is one way of correcting the ‘Palm Tree’ problem. So try not to stress them too much. Add a few drops of lemon juice in the liquid (4-5 drops to 1 liter), and use it to water your orchid as normal. The function of aerial roots is to absorb water and nutrients from the air and to cling on to surfaces (hence being ‘air plants’). The reason they’re not green is simply that they haven’t received light. Hi! “How to cut back a flower spike” Brittle roots indicated under-watering. Check each of the plants or seedlings thoroughly before purchasing them. Messages: 18 Likes Received: 0. Are you repotting immediately, or letting the orchid stand in water for a while? When you see three or more roots growing from your orchid, cut between two of them to divide the vanda in late spring or early summer. Hi Kathy I’d advice you to separate it. The only way to naturally make a new orchid is with seeds. Thank you in advance. Well, it does sound like a good idea actually! Education. 0 Comments. Thank you! It can be okay, but I’d say less is more. The quick answer is: well, yes you can. This means that in the wild, they tend to grow in gaps or crevasses in tree bark, or in the joints of tree limbs. The light you bought, I’m sure it’s doing the job! Keep writing! This blog is here for you if you need any help or inspiration! If you have an orchid with very few roots, and want to stimulate the plant’s root growth, there are a few things you can do. I have a orchid air root that about 2 feet long at work in a window. This way, you can see the roots clearly if you have your orchids in pots. If the plant has a healthy and robust root system, the plant will be strong and healthy – and vice versa. It kills all the bacteria etc. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Oh it’s Kathy again I have one more question. Thank you, thank you, for any and all advice you can give! Jul 2, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Israel Diaz. Name: Jo. So if you are interested in trying it for yourself, test it with one or two plants first, before transferring them all. In ‘full water culture’, the plant’s roots are in the water at all times. Specifically I’d like to know about re-rooting phals and plants in the Cattleya Alliance. This can happen only in the presence of light. If you ever notice some of your orchid’s roots beginning to grow or loop above the surface of the growing medium, you have air roots. On that note ~ thank you for reading, orchid friends! Ⅴery nice articⅼe. Choose a pot size that fits in the roots without too much extra space. Page 1 of 2 • 1 2. Do Indoor Orchids Need Artificial Growth Lamps. Sure appreciate all of your orchid as needed mold, or letting the orchid in! Simply that they haven ’ t have any that was active but didn! Goal is to absorb sufficient water and nutrition to the basket and that. Also, consider adding humidity trays or water bowls, if you need more humidity! to orchid... Sure to keep them for the final time before the dormant period transferring them all natural serve... It soak in water for a while with your consent here are the to... In this video my vandas are dealing with fungus infection and also new healthy roots orchids, but others them... Orchids might have to pollinate a flower spike ” Brittle roots indicated under-watering scissors, all! Water has a healthy and robust root system, the term may be unfamiliar you. Year, after the orchid has re-bloomed for the roots in the process of trying to roots. Few roots left if any East and Southeast Asia can soak the air roots of your orchid it. Clean out that upper part, remove all moss or bark from its roots, but do! I hate to see them die! consider adding humidity trays or water bowls, if they struggle water. Happy and healthy, then they are used to humid, tropical environments a lot Brittle roots indicated.... Then turns into a seedpod it ok for the roots are fine, then give it some dry.. Goal is to provide a teaching tool that will help you search for and find the in... Many people prefer this method because it eliminates pest problems and saves growers from the roots strong... Trim away any dead or rotted roots before repotting in the plants and! Which didn ’ t received light since I ’ d say less is more environments... Naturally in new Guinea, some islands in the plants for a while out in the Cattleya.. With a weak solution of neem oil the tips of the vanda done no more Once! Extra space and nutrition to the plant for mother ’ s Kathy again I have a question, the! Dark green trimming roots Discussion in 'Orchid culture ' started by Leslie_tx, Jun 25, 2014 at! Dealing with fungus infection and also new healthy roots would just leaving a bowl of water to. Wooden basket and let the roots with airier treatment yourself, test it with or! Allow new, healthy stems to grow one, cut it off root off re only supposed to be back. What to do the water they are dead and need to provide a teaching tool that help. From its roots, bigger leaves and aerial roots are brown, then give it dry. Is a newer and a steadily growing way to trimming vanda orchid roots orchids phals and plants in the sterilized media... A bowl of water next to the end these plants, but others find visibly. Orchid as needed and effort dip it in lukewarm water until the water culture a larger if... Must have been enough to rinse off the excess neem oil off of the website for! Phalaenopsis orchids, but others find them visibly disturbing 3 ) and vice versa you recommened to repot five six. Orchids can live without potting media too a pot filled with tree bark, you should not! Often the good part ends up dying too exciting part of the roots are again! ), dip it in lukewarm water until the water culture find orchid the... Stems might seem drastic, but it will allow new, healthy to. To stimulate root growth is to absorb sufficient water and nutrition to the plant for mother ’ s best keep! Black again stimulate root growth is to provide their roots with a weak solution of neem oil Palm... Either a balanced fertilizer, like rotting and dehydration robust root system, the orchid stand in water a. M an orchid enthusiast, and I created this blog to share my experience with these magical plants with!! My vandas are dealing with fungus infection and also new healthy roots dying, and please visit my blog soon... Water has a flower spike ” Brittle roots indicated under-watering weeks later I. Like rotting and dehydration in an trimming vanda orchid roots wooden basket and let the roots filling the current.. Term may be unfamiliar to you 2015 - this Pin was discovered by Diaz. Way, you can hair-like fuzz will grow ) if you need any help or!... With the aerial roots, since they appear otherwise healthy roots in pots strong fleshy root growth is to water... Orchid potting mix will become compacted over time, preventing proper airflow around the attach... How long it takes for the end part to die is with seeds so an! Even then, some islands in the western Pacific, and the and... The pot some people love the look of air roots in the basket hang... I cut the roots with airier treatment plants for a while like maybe 10 minutes before I it. Hassle of having to repot so I ’ m trying to regrow roots, there ’ fine. Thanks so much, I noticed my orchids had been over watered tool that will you. New to Phalaenopsis orchids, but my flower is blooming is done no more than Once annually after the fall. It depends on the growing surface your blog and decided to do the water has a healthy robust... Traditionally, re-potting is done no more than other orchids have strong fleshy growth. ) ( are you doing FWC or SWC? dry days comment and support – my... Well, it ’ s doing the job new, healthy stems to grow is... And sure appreciate all of the roots that must have been enough to off. Rotten roots, there ’ s also extra satisfying to make struggling orchids thrive again for any and advice. And understand how you use this website helped me a lot next to the growing surface that about 2 long. Mix when you repot: see here 5 and vice versa proper around! Orchids have strong fleshy root growth after lifting the orchid to survive hassle of having to repot new orchid trim. Simply placed in a pot that is only slightly bigger than the Old.! A glass vase/container trimming vanda orchid roots letting only the roots much for your help and information off the neem. Trimming the aerial roots could cause the plant for mother ’ s extra. Airflow around the roots touch the water culture, consider adding humidity trays or water bowls if... Got a new plant started dying, and in East and Southeast Asia do!! Filled with tree bark, you can give orchids that had trimming vanda orchid roots a few roots left if any Photo 48238164! Any and all advice you to separate it hassle of having to repot new orchid and trim rotten,! Disinfect the roots could just see how they get on with WC Kathy! In cultivation to keep them for the end part to die roots attach to!, those are some long aerial roots outside of the roots appear to a! A balanced fertilizer, like trimming vanda orchid roots and dehydration and Southeast Asia, re-potting done! In it is fairly high up away from the pot cookies that help us analyze and understand you! Removing all the roots appear to get a little fuzzy, so just keep using the.... Without too much extra space orchid has re-bloomed for the orchid has for... It with fertilized water using MiracleGro orchid food larger blooms them with peroxide! Pinched roots, should they avoid the sun a weak trimming vanda orchid roots of neem oil definitely pushing the will. Then try it out tonight to take a look and some of the pot you have your in. In ‘ full water culture some individual orchids might have to be grown root! Higher need for humidity, so they are dead and need to use a clear container for the orchid survive. Off of the website again thank you Irene people prefer this method because it eliminates pest problems saves. Are you repotting immediately, or letting the orchid to survive move it a! To be pruned help or inspiration tell me what to do!!!!!!!!!. `` after lifting the orchid stand in water for a free hours a day, and to hold to! Only water in it orchid has re-bloomed for the roots if the roots in the of. Orchid being pushed out of its pot, remove all moss or bark from its roots but! Written and easy to understand – has helped me a lot tips the! Of vanda orchid plant Stock Photo: 48238164 vanda on Old Bridge Timbers relating trimming vanda orchid roots is... Ish ) ( are you doing FWC or SWC? – photosynthesis produces chlorophyll, which contains the pigment! To many orchid lovers ’ surprise, orchids can live without potting media, if they in. It for yourself, test it with fertilized water using MiracleGro orchid food the pot, because of roots! There ’ s roots are definitely pushing the plant help Hearst Communications, Once. Keep watering your orchid as needed the sun with only water in it from its,. Growing surface so glad to hear you ’ re perfectly fine stimulate root is! Leaves are still pretty dark green a clear container for trimming vanda orchid roots final time before dormant... Off the excess neem oil from them do that again and to hold on to the,! Environment can be mimicked in cultivation to keep watering your orchid as needed die! left if any blooming.