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Orchid Roots Reaching Out

PompeyexilePompeyexile Posts: 15
in Plants
I have two orchids sat on my kitchen window sill and over the past couple of months they have started to grow new roots exept they are not going down into the pot but pointing out horizontally. I've attatched a picture for you to see what I mean.

Is this because they are in need of something? I water and feed them and they have bloomed beautifully this year.
Any advice would be appreciated and if it means they need re-potting can you please advise as to what medium I should use. Many thanks.


Pompeyexile

Posts

  • DaintinessDaintiness Posts: 988
    They are aerial roots which look really healthy. Lots of good advice and explanation on the link.
    https://www.justaddiceorchids.com/air-roots
  • PompeyexilePompeyexile Posts: 15
    Thank you Daintiness. Just went to the website you gave a link for and it explained everything really clearly.

    As you say, those are healthy arial roots and no need to worry. As it has been about two years since I bought the Orchid I will give it a birthday and re-pot it anyway.

    Cheers!
    Pompeyexile
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    It's good to repot them into clear pots with no outer pot, so that the light can get to the roots, with just an orchid bark medium.
  • PompeyexilePompeyexile Posts: 15
    Hi Fire,
    Yes, they came in clear 12cm pots but like most less well informed Joe Public, we automatically put them in nice outer pots for aeshetic reasons. So I'll get a couple of bigger (clear) pots and proper Orchid compost and let the roots out of their dark prison :smile:
    Pompeyexile
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    You can buy some nice semi transparent pots if the clear plastic look is too offensive ;) 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • PompeyexilePompeyexile Posts: 15
    Thanks George. I know what you mean but unfortunately I already just purchased two 15cm transparent mesh pots (I understand they are better for the plants than just those with holes in the bottom) for nearly sixteen quid! It was pay that or half the price but waiting over a month for them to come from China and with Covid at the moment I wasn't sure that was a good idea. Oh well, I'm sure the orchids will appreciate them.
    Pompeyexile
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    I feel your pain...my new phone is stuck in customs for over three weeks. Can't wait for January to expose the utter shambles our import export systems are truly in. Good luck with the orchids, they look happy so you're on your way. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
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