Its unorthodox growth as an epiphytic plant sometimes gives the orchid gardener a headache when it comes to caring for it. In particular, when countless aerial roots protrude from the pot, the use of scissors is considered. Here we will tell you why cutting is the wrong way and how to deal with the root system correctly.
Intact aerial roots should never be cut off
Do not remove aerial roots too quickly
In the exotic physiology of an orchid, aerial roots act as the plant lifelines. Whether as an epiphyte in the rainforest or in a coarse pine bark substrate as a houseplant, the long root strands take over the supply of the leaves and flowers with water and nutrients. As long as an aerial root is silvery green or creamy white, any cut is tantamount to amputation. Only when a strand is completely dry, hollow and brown can it be removed.
Repotting is better than cutting
With many aerial roots, the orchid signals a lack of space in the pot or a drained substrate. Show your flower diva that you have understood the non-verbal message and repot the plant into a larger culture pot with fresh orchid soil. Please choose a date outside of the growth and flowering period. How to do it right:
- Dip the root ball in lime-free water to soften the aerial roots
- Repot the orchid and remove the used substrate
- Cut off dead aerial roots with disinfected scissors
- In the new pot on the bottom with expanded clay (19.73€) create a 2-3 cm high drainage
Insert the flexible roots into the transparent pot with a twisting motion. Then fill in the fresh orchid soil in portions. To distribute the coarse ingredients evenly, tap the container on the tabletop from time to time.
tips
An orchid with many aerial roots is perfect for tying onto a branch. Use durable wood on which you spread moist moss as a base. A nylon stocking cut into strips 2-3 cm wide is suitable as binding material. Suspended in a room with high humidity, the orchid feels right at home.