Orchids are stunning plants, but they come with their fair share of challenges. If you’ve ever repotted an orchid, you’ve probably wondered what to do with the roots.
Should you cut them, bury them, or leave them exposed? The wrong decision can mean the difference between a thriving plant and one that struggles.
Let’s break it down and make sure your orchid gets the best care possible.
The Unique Nature of Orchid Roots
Orchid roots are not like the roots of other houseplants. They’re designed to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, not soil. That’s why they often grow above the potting medium and even out of the pot entirely.
These aerial roots aren’t just for show—they play a crucial role in the plant’s health. Understanding this is key to deciding how to handle them during repotting.
Should You Cut the Roots?
First things first: not all orchid roots are created equal. Some are healthy, while others might be dead or rotting. It’s essential to inspect the roots closely when repotting.
Healthy roots are firm and white or green, depending on moisture levels.
When Should I Cut The Roots?
If you find roots that are brown, mushy, or hollow, they’re dead or dying and should be cut off. Use sterilized scissors to trim them away—this prevents the spread of disease and rot.
But be careful; only cut the ones that are clearly unhealthy. Healthy roots, even if they look a little odd, should be left alone.
Should You Bury the Roots?
Orchids in the wild cling to trees and rocks with their roots exposed to air and light. Replicating this environment is crucial to their success. When repotting, you might wonder if you should bury all the roots in the potting mix. The answer is no.
When Should I Bury The Roots?
NEVER! Burying all the roots can suffocate the plant, leading to poor health and fewer blooms. Instead, use a loose, well-draining orchid mix, like bark or sphagnum moss. This will allow some roots to be buried while others remain exposed, giving them the airflow they need.
Should You Leave the Roots Exposed?
If your orchid’s roots are spilling out of the pot, don’t panic. These aerial roots are natural and beneficial. They help the plant absorb moisture from the air and participate in photosynthesis. Tucking all these roots into the pot might seem like a good idea, but it can actually harm the plant.
When Should I Leave The Roots Exposed?
If they’re healthy, aerial roots should remain free, and the potting medium should only cover a portion of the root system. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot that can accommodate the orchid’s growth while still allowing some roots to stay exposed.
The Right Way to Repot
Repotting orchids isn’t as daunting as it seems when you know what to do.
A Balance That Works
The secret to healthy orchids lies in finding the right balance for their roots. A combination of trimming dead roots, partially burying the healthy ones, and leaving some exposed will give your orchid the environment it needs to thrive.
Orchids may seem finicky, but once you understand their unique needs, caring for them becomes much easier.
Next time you repot your orchid, you’ll know exactly what to do with the roots. With a little attention and the right approach, your orchid will reward you with beautiful blooms for years to come. Happy repotting!
I’m interested in propagating my orchid
Hi Deborah! That’s awesome! Orchids can be propagated from keikis (baby plants) or by dividing the roots. It’s a slow but rewarding process!
If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help guide you through it. 🌸✨
Thank you. I have 4 orchids one 5 years old .its in a large enough pot but is on one side if the pot. It’s just starting to flower. Should I repot after it’s finished blooming. The other two are one and 2 years old and are also blooming.
Hi Donna! You’re so welcome! 😊 Since your orchid is blooming, it’s best to wait until it finishes blooming before repotting. If it’s growing off to one side but otherwise healthy, you can repot and center it afterward. Use fresh orchid mix, and trim any dead roots when you do.
Sounds like your orchids are happy. 4 plants and all blooming? You’re doing great! 🌿🌸 Let me know if you need help when it’s time to repot!
My orchid’s roots are starting to grow new spikes like flowers is that okay?
Hi Felicity! That sounds totally normal! 😊 Some orchid roots can look like flower spikes at first, my friend once waited weeks thinking a bloom was coming, and it was just a chunky new root 😅. If it’s firm and green or silvery, it’s likely a healthy root!
Dear Rita, I have recently started tending orchids. The information I have gathered all came from the internet. There is so much more I need to know. Since this article is about repotting, I will direct my question there. I live in a rural area and have no access to supplies. Where would I get the proper medium to repot orchids?
Hi Betty! 😊 Since you’re in a rural area, your best bet is ordering online. Amazon has orchid bark mix readily available, and specialty sites like rePotme or Kelley’s Korner Orchid Supplies ship everywhere. You want a chunky bark-based mix specifically for orchids, regular potting soil won’t work. Good luck with your orchids!
My orchid roots have gone wild and out of the pot. I normally try keep a close eye on it but have been very busy as of late and just noticed how many roots are exposed. Is it determental to the roots to just leave them exposed. ? Thank you in advance.
Hi Jennene! 😊 Exposed orchid roots are actually totally normal, they’re aerial roots and it’s fine to leave them! Orchids naturally grow with roots exposed in the wild. As long as the roots in the pot are healthy and the plant is stable, you don’t need to do anything. Just make sure you’re watering properly and they’ll be happy!
Dear Rita, I have been caring for my orchids via the “ little of this, little of that” internet. On Sunday I take them all to the kitchen, water them to the top of the ceramic vessels with coffee water and let them sit for about 30 min. Then take them out and let them drain on a wire rack for about an hour. Then l put them back into their pots and wipe top and bottom of leaves with ginger water. So far the leaves and new aerial roots are flourishing. However when I repotted my first orchid the roots showed evidence of root rot. I ave decided that soaking is over doing it. Now l am on my second repotting and all the roots are yellow and rather misshaped they remained cold indicating moisture. What do I do with these? If I remove the tere will be no buried roots at all??? Thanks a bunch Betty
Hi Betty 🙂 Yellow roots aren’t always dead, especially if they were buried in the pot and didn’t get light. If they feel firm, keep them. I’d only remove roots that are mushy, hollow, or rotten. If there are very few buried roots left, don’t panic. Leave the healthy aerial roots alone, use a chunky orchid mix, and let the plant sit stable rather than burying everything.
Can we just leave it water? Whenever I repot ,they die. I have left one in water and so far it’s going good.
TIA
Hi Sabeen 🙂 I’d be careful with leaving orchids sitting in water long term. It can work for some people for a while, but it also raises the risk of root rot because orchid roots still need air. If repotting has gone badly before, I’d try a chunky bark mix and only trim roots that are mushy, hollow, or clearly dead.
Thank you for the info. I have two orchids just finishing blooming, is this a good time to repot them? I live in Florida where it is very hot and humid now.
Hi Mary 🙂 Yes, right after blooming is usually a good time to repot if the orchid needs it. Since you’re in hot, humid Florida, I’d use a chunky orchid bark mix, make sure the pot has plenty of drainage, and keep it in bright indirect light while it settles.