How should I care for an orchid that has new growth on stems, but has roots grow

1. 84

   LauraGSpeaksposted 11 years ago

   How should I care for an orchid that has new growth on stems, but has roots growing out of the pot?
   
   

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2. 95

   Dolores Monetposted 11 years ago

   Hi Laura - I just saw the same thing myself not so long ago. The new growth looks like a flower stem! You must be doing something right! I've had this happen twice and both times, I whooped aloud. If I were you, I'd mist those areal roots and give the plant a shot of orchid food. Be careful if you need to support the flower stem,  you don't want to stab the roots!

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3. 60

   Margolynposted 11 years ago

   When any plant in a pot thrives, it looks for more room to grow.  The roots will find an opening or sometimes they just break the pot altogether.  They want to get out and grow more.  I suggest you get some fertilized soil from the store, and a larger pot.  Then just flip the plant out of the old pot by holding your fingers around the base of the stem and tip the pot completely over so the soil stays intact around the plant until it comes out completely.  Then add some soil to the larger pot and transplant your plant to a bigger play ground.  You are doing something right otherwise new growth would not be noticed. This formula works for all potted plants, indoors or out.  Enjoy

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   1. 84

      LauraGSpeaksposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Margolyn, I have several orchids, but never one that has done this before.  I will take your advice and repot it, sticking the roots in new soil.  Thanks.

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4. 95

   cat on a soapboxposted 9 years ago

   Hi Laura,
   I hope your orchid is doing well. I know you posted this over a year ago!  This is an epiphytic orchid. They grow, not in soil, but attach to trees, rocks, etc.in their natural settings. The best planting medium is bark and moss, packed well. Containers often have holes for aeration. This looks like a phalenopsis or "moth orchid." Water well once a week, offer good indoor light, and fertilize regularly. They are beautiful!

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   1. 84

      LauraGSpeaksposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Cat--thank you for your answer.  I think I need to repot my orchid--I now have it in soil with moss on top, but it is not doing anything and the roots are drying out.  Can I cut the dry roots?

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   2. 95

      cat on a soapboxposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You can remove the  dried roots. Hopefully you also see some plump roots. Orchids like to be somewhat crowded in the pot so move up in size gradually. I'd still remove the soil and pack w/ the bark chunks.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUNMSh1F19A

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