What To Do About Roots of Orchids Growing Out of the Pot

As an orchid enthusiast, I’m always delighted to see new roots emerging from my orchids. However, some people find the sight of roots growing out of the pot to be a nuisance. If you’ve noticed aerial roots sprouting from your orchids, you may be wondering if this is normal and what you should do about them. After researching this topic extensively, I want to provide a comprehensive guide to answering the common questions surrounding orchid aerial roots.

What Are Aerial Roots?

First, let’s cover the basics. The roots extending out of your orchid’s pot are called aerial or air roots. Aerial roots are a normal part of orchid anatomy, especially for epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and Vandas.

In the wild epiphytic orchids use their aerial roots to attach themselves to the branches and trunks of trees. The roots absorb moisture and nutrients from humid air and rain. However in our homes, the dry indoor air doesn’t provide the moisture and nutrients that aerial roots need to thrive.

Why Are My Orchid’s Roots Growing Outside the Pot?

There are a few reasons why you may notice extensive aerial root growth:

• The roots need more space. As the orchid matures, its root system expands. Roots growing outside the pot are a sign that the plant is pot-bound or root-bound. This is common after two years in the same container.

• Seeking humidity. In dry environments orchids grow aerial roots to absorb moisture from the air. More humidity reduces the need for aerial roots.

• Natural growth habit. Certain orchids, like Vanda and Dendrobium, produce abundant air roots naturally as part of their growth habit, even with proper care.

Are Aerial Roots Harmful to My Orchid?

Healthy green or silvery white aerial roots are not harmful to your orchid. They are just the orchid’s way of adapting to its environment. The aerial roots perform the same functions as roots in the potting mix – absorbing water and nutrients.

You can identify healthy vs. unhealthy roots this way

• Healthy roots: plump, firm, green or silvery-white
• Unhealthy roots: shriveled, brown, or mushy

Damaged or rotting aerial roots should be trimmed off with sterilized scissors. But resist the temptation to cut off healthy air roots! Doing so could stress the plant and make it vulnerable to infections.

Should I Repot My Orchid to Control Aerial Roots?

If your orchid’s roots are crowding the pot or growing wild outside it, this signals that it’s time to repot into fresh mix. Repotting gives the roots more room to grow inside the pot.

Follow these tips for repotting orchids with air roots:

• Sterilize scissors to trim damaged roots. Remove any dead or rotting roots.
• Choose a pot that is 2 inches wider than the current pot, with drainage holes.
• Use an orchid potting mix, not soil. Firmly pack mix around roots.
• Bury aerial roots under potting mix, but leave any green root tips exposed.
• Water thoroughly after repotting and let excess drain fully.

Repotting annually or every 2-3 years provides fresh mix and breathing room for your orchid’s root system. But don’t repot more often than necessary. Repotting can shock the plant if done too frequently.

Air Circulation for Aerial Roots

Allow space between plants so air can circulate freely around aerial roots. Stagnant air encourages disease. You can also use small fans to gently blow air on the roots. Just avoid damaging them with a harsh blast of air.

Humidity for Aerial Root Growth

Since aerial roots absorb moisture from the air, increasing humidity will discourage air root growth. Here are some tips:

• Use a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water. Place the orchid pot on top, above water level.

• Run a humidifier in the room. 40-60% humidity is ideal for orchids.

• Place pots on a bed of damp moss.

• Group orchid plants together to create a moist microclimate.

• Spritz aerial roots with a spray bottle of water a few times per week.

Should I Trim Aerial Roots?

Resist the temptation to snip off healthy air roots! Trimming aerial roots unnecessarily can injure your orchid. If the wild root growth bugs you for aesthetic reasons, it’s better to repot in a larger container to allow space for aerial roots.

That said, you can trim a few aerial roots if they are excessive and unruly. Use sterilized scissors to prevent infections. Make just a minor trim, taking care not damage the plant. Your orchid will continue growing new air roots, so this pruning solves the problem only temporarily.

Takeaway Advice on Orchid Aerial Roots

To wrap up, aerial roots are completely normal for epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Dendrobium. Resist cutting healthy green air roots. Increase humidity and air circulation to discourage extensive air root growth. Repot annually into a larger pot if roots are crowding the container. Be patient with aerial roots – they are just part of owning one of these beautiful & intriguing plants!