Orchid Roots Out of Control? Why They’re Abandoning Their Pot (+ Solution)

Orchids are beautiful and delicate plants that require special care to thrive.

One of the most common concerns among orchid owners is when the roots start escaping the pot.

This can be alarming, especially for beginners, who may wonder if this means it’s time to repot their plant.

In this article, we’ll explore what to do when your orchid’s roots start venturing out of the pot, whether you should cut them, if you should cover them during repotting, and provide simple steps for repotting your orchid.

When the Orchid Roots Are Out of the Vase, Should We Repot?

First, it’s important to understand that orchids naturally produce aerial roots that grow out of the pot.

These roots are perfectly normal and help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air.

If you notice a few roots escaping, it doesn’t necessarily mean your orchid needs repotting. However, there are certain situations where repotting might be necessary:

Should We Cut the Orchid Roots That Are Escaping the Pot?

It can be tempting to cut off the roots that are growing outside the pot, especially if they make the plant look untidy. However, cutting healthy aerial roots is not recommended.

These roots play an important role in the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Removing them can stress the orchid and impact its overall health.

Only cut roots if they are clearly dead or diseased.

When We Repot the Orchid, Should We Cover the Roots That Are Escaping?

When repotting your orchid, you may wonder whether you should cover the roots that have been growing outside the pot.

The answer depends on the condition and position of the roots:

It’s important to remember that orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and rocks, with their roots exposed to the air.

Don’t worry if some roots remain outside the pot—they’re designed to thrive that way!

How to Repot Your Orchid in Simple Steps

If you’ve determined that your orchid needs repotting, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose the Right Time: The best time to repot your orchid is after it has finished blooming and is beginning a new growth cycle, usually in the spring or early summer.
2. Prepare the Materials: You’ll need a new pot (slightly larger than the current one), fresh orchid potting mix (such as bark or sphagnum moss), and sterilized scissors.
3. Remove the Orchid from the Pot: Gently remove the orchid from its current pot. If the roots are stuck, carefully loosen them with your fingers or a blunt tool.
4. Trim Dead or Rotted Roots: Inspect the roots and trim away any that are brown, mushy, or shriveled. Be sure to sterilize your scissors before cutting to prevent infection.
5. Place the Orchid in the New Pot: Position the orchid in the center of the new pot. Add the fresh potting mix around the roots, ensuring the plant is stable. You can leave healthy aerial roots exposed if they’re too stiff to tuck in.
6. Water Lightly: After repotting, water the orchid lightly to help settle the potting mix around the roots. Avoid overwatering, as the plant will need time to adjust to its new environment.
7. Monitor and Care: Place the repotted orchid in a bright, indirect light location. Continue with your regular care routine, adjusting the watering as needed.

Repotting your orchid can rejuvenate the plant and encourage new growth.

By understanding the role of aerial roots and following the proper repotting techniques, you’ll help your orchid thrive for years to come.