Aerial Roots

[ams957]

Hi folks! I have a question I know has been asked before but I can't seem to find it. Quite a few of my plants are starting quite a few aerial roots. Different species are involved. I am assuming that, being winter in New England with heat blasting all through the house, my babies are looking for more humidity. Is this correct? I am spraying them daily. Thanks, Arleen

[smartie2000]

If they send roots then they are happy and they do it naturally as epiphytes. A healthy root system means beautiful blooms, so good growing.

[ams957]

Yes, they all look quite happy! Thanks!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Sounds normal to me. Keep them happy.

Cheers,
BD

[IdahoOrchid]

Orchids grow in two different ways. One is monopodial. Phals phall into this catagory. As the new leaves grow up the lower ones die off. The plant will send out new roots in order to find a hold and support the new section of the plant. They will try to find a hold on a branch or in the pot media and if not become arial. If the lower section of the plant, now leafless, looks bad it can be cut off and the newer roots planted into the media.

[baytownboy]

Hi,

A visitor checking out the long aerial root on one of my phals, CUT IT OFF without asking me.

Is there I can do FOR this AERIAL ROOT now that it's separated from the plant?

Thanks,

Romulus

[etex]

I like the aerial roots. They give the plant more personality. Plus clue you that the roots are actively growing. B. nodosa gave me a start this spring with its reddish root tips till I found out is was normal for this plant and that all growing root tips are not green.

[walingwaling]

Hi,

A visitor checking out the long aerial root on one of my phals, CUT IT OFF without asking me.

Is there I can do FOR this AERIAL ROOT now that it's separated from the plant?

Thanks,

Romulus

hi romulus,
nope, there is nothing you can do, but if the plant is healthy it should grow back the lost roots.

[orchidlady]

As Walingwaling says, it won't cause any permanent damage, but I would keep sharp instruments away from visitors in the future .

Susan