I LOVE orchids, so I’m going to write this article with great affection! Before you start reading, know that you can (and should) comment any questions you have, I will respond to your comment within a few hours!
If you have orchids, have you ever wondered why orchid roots start to come out of the ground?
Do you know what to do with them?
And if we are going to transplant the orchid, should we cover these roots?
Although orchid blooms offer astounding beauty and elegance, their root systems can be troublesome for many. Roots often escape their pots, hindering the plant’s health, stability, and aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll explore common reasons behind orchid roots escaping their pots and what you can do to address this issue head-on. Let’s jump straight into it!
Why Do Orchid Roots Escape Their Pots?
Orchid roots have a unique growth habit compared to other houseplants.
Instead of staying confined within the pot, they often grow outward, escaping into the open air.
This behavior can be perplexing, but it is a natural response driven by several factors.
Well, there are typically 3 reasons why orchid roots escape their pots. These include:
1 – Seeking Air and Light
When the orchid roots aren’t getting enough air circulation and light.
If soil is too tightly packed, roots might begin to suffocate and grow out of the pot as a way to receive enough oxygen and carry out photosynthesis efficiently using sunlight.
2 – Overcrowding in the Pot
As the root system expands and soil gets too crowded with tangling roots, they will begin to poke out of the pot due to better, free space outside.
I explain in this article how to repot (teaching what to do with the roots!).
3 – Poor Potting Medium
If the potting medium degrades or becomes overly compacted, roots will try to push out in order to accommodate further growth.
Orchids prefer a well-draining, airy medium like bark or sphagnum moss.
When Should I Cut The Roots?
Frankly speaking, it’s not recommended to cut orchid roots. However, if they’re sticking out of the pot and looking untidy or damaged, you can trim them down lightly but not to the point where the plant’s health or root system is put at risk.
Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and only cut roots that either stick out of the pot a little too much or clearly appear damaged or rotten in some way.
How to Help Your Orchid’s Escaping Roots
So, your orchid roots are escaping their pot; is there something you can do to fix the issue? Absolutely!
Here are 5 ways you can go about this:
1 – Repotting Your Orchid
Repotting your orchid in a larger pot might help you combat escaping roots. The new pot will provide sufficient space for roots to spread further while staying inside.
This way, the roots won’t be in a vulnerable position outside waiting to be physically damaged or ruining the aesthetics of the plant.
All you need to do is carefully extract your orchid with its roots intact from the current pot and transfer it to a new pot that’s filled with well-draining potting soil.
If you find any dead or damaged roots during the extraction process, make sure to remove them so that your orchid can have a fresh start.
2 – Improving Air Circulation
Improved air circulation helps escaping orchid roots by allowing for more aeration while also creating a healthier growing environment for them.
The better airflow the plant has, the less likely it is to develop root rot or disease; managing humidity is key if you want to keep your orchid roots safe and healthy in the long run.
3 – Providing Adequate Light
Although more light doesn’t address the issue of overgrown orchid roots directly, it can definitely help with root management.
Sufficient light will allow your orchid to encourage the right kind of growth while better managing its root systems.
Additionally, when there’s plenty of light for the plant to carry out photosynthesis and support other functions, its roots are less likely to grow out of the pot in search of light.
4 – Monitoring and Adjusting Watering Practices
Adjusting watering according to what your plant needs is crucial when trying to manage escaping roots.
Inadequate hydration often causes roots to grow in odd directions and even come out of the pot in search of water.
Ensure your orchid is well hydrated at all times and not under any kind of stress to allow it to better manage its roots.
5 – Using Orchid-Friendly Pots
Using orchid-friendly pots can definitely help the plant with root management.
They come with lots of drainage holes and are made of breathable materials that not only create a better growing environment for the plant but also encourage the plant to grow within the bounds of its pot.
Orchid-friendly pots are also perfect for improving ventilation and air circulation issues, further lowering the chances of roots escaping the pot.
Conclusion
Instead of beating around the bush and asking unnecessary questions, you should only be asking one question and one question only – why are your orchid roots trying to escape their pot?
That single question is key to making the right changes that would help the situation instead of further complicating it.
You can address overcrowding roots, poor air circulation, inappropriate potting mediums, or any other underlying issue that your orchid roots might be facing but it all starts with asking that one right question.
After the orchid stops blooming, should the stem be cut back?
Hi Gail!
Yes, after your orchid stops blooming, you should cut back the stem. Trim the stem down to just above a visible node (a small bump on the stem) to encourage new growth. If the stem turns brown and dries out, you can cut it back to the base. This will help the orchid conserve energy and potentially promote new blooms in the future. 😊
Only if it is brown and dead. If it is still green it will probably rebloom.
So do you cut the roots that have escaped?
Hi Nanci!
I don’t cut my runaway orchid roots unless they are dry, brittle, or dead. Trim them back using sterilized scissors to prevent infection, and avoid cutting too many at once to prevent stressing the plant. Healthy roots are firm and green or white. If the roots are healthy and just growing outside the pot, don’t cut them, consider repotting the orchid into a slightly larger pot instead.
I hope I was able to help you. 😊
When you repot, do you bury all the roots that have been hanging outside the previous pot or let them hang outside the new pot?
Hi Jackie!
As I said to Joanne, when repotting, let the roots that were hanging outside the previous pot hang outside the new pot as well. Orchid roots benefit from good airflow and do not need to be buried. Also, don’t forget to trim any dead or damaged roots before repotting!
Have a nice day and let me know if you still have any questions 😊
Thank you so much.
Yes, I agree!
I live in SWFL. The orchids I put outside aren’t surviving. My yard is full sun. Is that the problem?? Pls help!!!
Anita H
Naples, FL
Hi Anita!
Yes, full sun is likely the problem. Orchids prefer indirect light. Try placing them in a spot with filtered light or partial shade to protect them from direct sunlight. Ensure they have proper humidity and watering. A shaded area or using a shade cloth can help.
I hope I was able to help you. 😊
My orchid has babies growing from the stem what do I do with them?
Hi Betty!
Those babies are called keikis, and they’re a sign your orchid is happy! Once the keiki has a few roots about 2-3 inches long, you can carefully remove it from the mother plant using sterile scissors. Then, pot the keiki in its own orchid mix and care for it like a mature orchid.
Alternatively, you can leave it attached for a while longer until the roots are well-developed. Either way, you’re about to have a new orchid plant! 🌱
When you repot, do you put the escaping roots into the new medium inside the pot?
Hi Joanne!
When repotting, it’s best to leave the escaping roots outside the new medium pot. Orchid roots often grow out of the pot and can be left exposed to air, as they prefer good airflow. I also suggest that you trim any dead or damaged roots before repotting.
Have a nice day 😊
My orchid in the kitchen has roots growing 21/2 -3 feet outside the pot. Do I repot and put roots back into the pot? Thank you
Hi Debbie!
As I mentioned here already, it’s best to leave the long roots outside the pot. When repotting, just trim any dead or damaged roots, but let the healthy, long roots remain outside. Orchids often have aerial roots that benefit from good airflow and do not need to be buried.
Have a nice day 😊
Mine are not blooming again . What is wrong?
Hi Linda!
It sounds like your orchids might be experiencing common issues that prevent blooming. Ensure they receive bright, indirect light and are watered properly, usually about once a week. Maintain a temperature range of 60-80°F (15-27°C) with slightly cooler nights and a humid environment. Regular feeding with the right amount of fertilizer is crucial.
I suggest that you use this homemade fertilizer for orchids, since I started using it, my orchids bloom every year.
Also, you can learn more about the signs and reasons why orchids might not bloom here: When do Orchids Bloom? Signs Why They Won’t Bloom.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions 😊
What do you put your potted orchids in ? (saucer, tray, gravel)
Hi Victoria,
You can place your potted orchids on a saucer with gravel. This helps with humidity and ensures the pot doesn’t sit directly in water, which can prevent root rot.
Have a nice day 😊
Why are the leaves on my orchid plant getting all wrinkled and spongy?
Hi Vicki!
Wrinkled and spongy leaves on your orchid are often a sign of dehydration. This can happen if the roots aren’t absorbing enough water, either due to underwatering, root rot, or poor drainage. Check the roots to ensure they are healthy (firm and green).
Adjust your watering schedule, ensuring the orchid gets enough moisture but isn’t sitting in water, and consider repotting if the roots are in poor condition. 😊
Is it wrong to use ice cubes for watering?
Hi Sharon!
Using ice cubes to water orchids is a popular trick, and many people swear by it! While it’s generally safe and helps prevent overwatering, some folks worry about the cold potentially shocking the roots. If you do use ice cubes, just make sure they melt slowly and don’t touch the roots directly. It’s a handy method, but if you’re concerned, room-temperature water works great too!
Have a nice day 😊
I have some sphagnum moss. Is that all I need for repotting my orchids?
Hi Marcia!
Sphagnum moss is great for orchids, especially for those that need more moisture. However, it’s best to mix it with orchid bark or use it in combination with other orchid potting materials to ensure proper airflow and drainage. Using only sphagnum moss can sometimes hold too much water, which might lead to root rot. A blend of moss and bark gives the best of both worlds—moisture and aeration!
Have a nice day 🌱🌸
Can I repot it if it’s still blooming? My orchid is growing on the pot sideways but blooms are lasting a long time and new blooms come on before old ones die. I’ve been waiting for months to repot.
Hi Linda!
Yes, you can repot your orchid even if it’s still blooming, though it’s generally best to wait until it’s done flowering. If the pot is really causing issues, like growing sideways, and you’ve been waiting for months, it’s okay to repot now, just be extra gentle. Try to disturb the roots as little as possible, and make sure to use fresh orchid mix. Your orchid should continue to thrive with proper care, even after repotting. Good luck with your beautiful plant! 🌸
The leaves on my orchids are huge & take up a lot of space, they still bloom nicely. What causes the leaves to get so big?
Hi Linda!
The large leaves on your orchid are a sign that it’s healthy and thriving! Orchids grow bigger leaves to store water and nutrients, which helps support their blooming. The ample light, good care, and the right environment you’re providing are likely encouraging this growth. If it’s blooming well, those big leaves are doing their job! 🌿🌸
Where can we find the slotted orchid pots, I need to report mine.
TIA
Hi Carylon!
You can find slotted orchid pots on Amazon! These are the ones I use: slotted orchid pots. Happy repotting! 🌸
I have an orchid that is in a vase with only water and it seems to be doing fine. How is this possible if orchids don’t like to be over watered?
Hi Barb!
It’s interesting, but orchids can sometimes thrive in just water through a method called “water culture.” In this case, the roots are exposed to air between soakings, preventing them from staying too wet. It works because the orchid isn’t submerged all the time—just make sure to change the water regularly and allow the roots to breathe. If it’s happy, you’re doing it right! 🌿💧
Question….I have 5 orchids that have rooted to trees in my yard. What can I use to protect them through the winter?
Hi Charlotte!
To protect your orchids through the winter, you can wrap the roots with a frost cloth or breathable fabric to help insulate them. If the temperature is expected to drop significantly, consider temporarily covering the orchids with a light frost blanket or burlap to shield them from the cold. Just make sure they still have some airflow to prevent moisture buildup! 😊