Is your orchid going crazy with its roots growing and spreading everywhere except in the pot?
Yeah…I’ve experienced this many times with my indoor orchids over the years, and I know just how frustrating it can be.
In this article, I’m going to teach you how you can navigate your way around crazy growing orchid roots and share some important tips and tricks that may help the situation.
First Of All, Aerial Roots Are Natural!
Yes, you read that absolutely right! Those roots you see running wild and growing out of the pot are absolutely normal!
They’re called aerial roots, and an orchid typically sends them out to absorb moisture and important nutrients from the air.
If you ever spot orchids in a forest or out in the wild, you’ll notice their roots wrapping vertically around trees for support. That’s just how orchid roots are; keeping them contained in a pot isn’t normal.
Why Do Orchid Roots Escape Their Pots?
Although there can be a plethora of reasons why orchid roots may escape their pot, they mainly do so for three reasons:
When Should I Cut The Roots?
Do not…I repeat…DO NOT…ever cut your orchid roots just because you want to or because it “seems” like the right thing to do.
Roots can be extremely sensitive, and any unnecessary cut or injury can make them vulnerable to rot and fungal infection.
Cut the aerial orchid roots only if needed, and if it will have a genuine positive impact on the overall growth potential.
Is It Ever Safe To Trim Orchid Roots?
If the roots look like they’re badly damaged or developing rot. Dead roots are usually brown, shriveled, or mushy. Otherwise, let them be and enjoy your orchid like it is!
How To Help Your Orchid’s Escaping Roots?
1: Repot Your Orchid
Although this one can be a little challenging and time-consuming, repotting your orchid is an excellent strategic move to achieve better plant quality and healthier roots.
Repotting works especially well if you have aerial roots that may be beginning to rot or become weak due to some sort of fungal disease.
One thing to keep in mind is that repotting should be a very slow and deliberate process. Rushing through the steps can result in injured roots that may refuse to adapt to the new pot and grow.
I explain in this article how to repot (teaching what to do with the roots!).
2: Improve Air Circulation
No, this isn’t some sort of “hack” or gimmick. Improving the circulation of air around your orchid keeps the roots from becoming susceptible to heat and humidity-induced problems.
The likelihood of fungal infection and root rot goes down significantly, and your orchid is able to live a safer, healthier life.
For this, you can use an orchid-friendly pot with good drainage and plenty of ventilation holes.
Also don’t forget the soil! Orchids don’t grow in regular potting mix. Use orchid bark, it allows air to flow freely around the roots, mimicking their natural growing conditions.
3: Use Orchid-Friendly Pots
Yes, you may need to use a different style of pot to support your orchid’s root growth. Orchid-friendly pots have extra holes for better drainage and airflow, which allows for the roots to remain happy and healthy.
4: Provide Adequate Light
Adequate sunlight is extremely important for supporting optimal orchid growth and root spreading. In case of insufficient sunlight, the roots may emerge out of the pot to absorb sunlight directly, which isn’t healthy for them.
You want to keep your orchid pot in a well-lit room where there’s plenty of indirect light coming in, either through thin curtains or a big window.
5: Monitor & Adjust Watering Practices
When I say monitor, I mean keep your watering practices the same as they have always been, and observe how your plant reacts. If roots continue to grow out of the pot and the situation keeps getting worse and worse, there’s obviously something wrong.
Adjusting your watering practices means changing up your watering schedule and making sessions more frequent or less frequent, depending on what your orchid needs.
In my case, I always ended up overwatering my orchids, and that led to root rot issues. Making watering sessions infrequent and watering deeply definitely helped change the trajectory of my orchid roots.
Conclusion
Growing orchids is extremely fun until the roots start growing out of the pot and make the whole plant look like a big mess. It has happened to me a couple of times, and I’ve always opted for repotting as a solution for my aerial orchid roots.
You can try out whatever method you feel is the easiest and most efficient for containing the roots, or just leave them as they are and let them grow. I’d suggest letting the roots be as long as they’re not mushy or seem overly stressed. Good luck!
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.
It depends. If the stem looks like it’s starting to brown from the tip, then yes. Cut where the last bloom was. If it looks like there’s growth still at the tip, go ahead and allow it to finish blooming. Also buy Keiki paste. The closer to the mother plant you Apple the paste, the higher the chance you’ll make a new baby orchid plant. The further out the stem toward the flowers you place the paste, the higher chance you’ll have producing more flower stems. I love keiki paste. It works wonders.
Hi Laura! Great tip! Keiki paste can be a game-changer for encouraging new growth. Applying it closer to the mother plant can help produce a baby orchid, while applying it further out may encourage more flower stems. Thanks for sharing! 😊
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! 🌱
Yes. Full sun will burn the leaves.
Think of the way orchids exist in nature. There under the dappled light of the trees in the crook of the tree limbs hanging sideways.
Not in full sun.
Hi Laura! Great point! 🌿 Orchids naturally thrive in dappled light, just like they would in the wild. A shaded spot or using a shade cloth can really make a difference for outdoor orchids in full sun. Thanks for sharing!
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 😊
Can you please tell me how to make the homemade fertilizer and how often to use it? Thanks !!
Hi Ora!
You can find a full guide on making homemade fertilizer for orchids here: https://www.tinygardenhabit.com/homemade-fertilizer-orchids/. It covers how to make it and how often to use it. Hope it helps! 🌿✨
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! 🌸
Hello,
I wondering if i can repot my orchid into a glass jar with only waterpearls? Or it would die then? And how can i repot it to a glass jar otherwise?
Hi Sara!
Orchids can’t thrive in just water pearls, they need airflow. Instead, use LECA (clay pebbles) for semi-hydroponics. Place LECA in a glass jar, add your orchid, and keep a little water at the bottom (not touching the roots). This keeps them hydrated while preventing rot! 😊🌿
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! 😊
To repot do you go one size up, from a 5 inch pot to a 6 inch pot?
Hi Vicki! Yes! When repotting, go just one size up, from a 5-inch pot to a 6-inch pot. Orchids like a snug fit, so too much space can lead to excess moisture and root rot. Use a well-draining orchid mix, and your plant will be happy! 😊✨
Ii am a novice and learned so much from this. Thank you
Hi Sharon! That’s wonderful to hear! 😊
Orchids can be tricky, but you’re off to a great start. Happy growing, and feel free to ask if you ever need more tips! 🌿✨
Thank you so much for all the information and your answers to other people’s problems and questions. I have learned a lot. I appreciate all your information
Hi Diane! That truly means a lot, thank you! 😊 I’m so glad the info has been helpful and that you’ve learned something new. Wishing you lots of success with your orchids! 🌸🌿