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Orchid roots.

dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201
in Plants
I have this orchid for nearly five years. This year it bloomed twice. Flowers last 3-4 months. It is one of those sold by most supermarkets. I want advice because the roots growing fast and they are hanging out of pot. Shall I repot the plant in the bigger pot? 

Posts

  • dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Those grey roots don't need to be covered. Orchids send out aerial roots that in their native habitat would gather nutrients such as nitrogen from the air. They may look a bit odd to us but they are just a feature of orchid growing. They will likely grow quite a bit longer!
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Do you freshen up the compost now and then?
    After a couple of years it's not a bad idea to change the compost (bark) they grow in.
    It's very easy.
    Get some new orchid compost bark and soak enough to fill the pot overnight so it absorbs some water. I always use room temperature rain water.
    Take the plant out - shake off all the old bark - cut off any shrivelled roots and re-pot it with the damp bark leaving the aerial roots dangling out of the pot as @Buttercupdays says.

    Wait until it's finished flowering first though.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    Gorgeous flowers @dpatel2130
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • dpatel2130dpatel2130 Posts: 201
    @Buttercupdays, @Pete.8,@Uff. Thank you. :)
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