What To Do When Orchid Roots Are Growing Out of The Pot

It’s common to see orchid roots growing out of the pot. While this may look concerning, it’s actually completely normal for many orchid species. In fact, aerial roots are an important part of how orchids absorb water and nutrients. This article will explain why orchid roots grow out of pots and when it may indicate a problem.

Why Orchid Roots Grow Outside The Pot

Orchids are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow anchored to other plants, usually on tree branches. They have adapted aerial roots to cling to rough surfaces and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air Aerial roots have a spongy outer layer called velamen that soaks up water

Even when potted, orchids still produce aerial roots growing in all directions searching for support These roots emerging from the pot perform several natural functions

• Orchids have horizontal roots that keep the plant from leaning or falling over. Roots growing down the sides of pots provide stability.

• There isn’t enough space in pots for orchids, so they often grow new roots outside. This indicates a lack of space not a problem.

• Moisture & Nutrients – Aerial roots maximize water and nutrient absorption from the air, especially in humid environments. More humidity causes prolific aerial root growth.

• Photosynthesis – The green cortex inside aerial roots contains chloroplasts that can photosynthesize to create energy.

• Cattleya & Phalaenopsis – Prolific air root growth is natural for these epiphytic orchid species.

So aerial roots emerging from pots are mostly just orchids exhibiting their natural epiphytic behaviors. It’s rarely anything to worry about.

When Aerial Roots Indicate Issues

While aerial roots are normal, they can sometimes indicate problems that need attention:

• Tip risk – An orchid leaning severely and aerial roots are trying to stabilize, reposition the plant.

• Rotting medium – If potted roots are rotting, aerial growth often increases to compensate. Check potted roots.

• Underwatering – Too few aerial roots can indicate underwatering. Roots should be silvery green when hydrated.

• Pests & diseases – Discolored or dead aerial roots may signal issues. Isolate affected plants.

• Overcrowding: If roots are growing because there isn’t enough room, move the plant to a bigger pot.

So monitor aerial root health and watch for signs of imbalance. But aerial growth alone is usually not problematic for a happy orchid.

Managing Aerial Roots

Aerial roots generally don’t need special care. You can leave them alone or follow these management tips:

• Let roots grow naturally without intervention. Trimming risks infections.

• Air root color indicates water needs. Green means recently watered, silvery white needs water.

• Only cut dead, diseased, or damaged roots using sterile, sharp scissors. Avoid open wounds.

• Grup aerial roots together using soft plant ties or wire if they bother you aesthetically.

• Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal or bacterial issues in dense root growths.

• Consider mounting orchids rather than potting to better accommodate abundant aerial roots.

• Water mounting material (e.g. bark, cork, wood) 1-2 times per week and mist aerial roots in dry air.

Overall, healthy green or silvery white aerial roots emerging from the pot are nothing to worry about for your orchid. Enjoy them as a sign of a thriving, naturalistic plant. Just monitor their condition and make small adjustments to care as needed.

When To Repot Due To Roots

The only time an abundance of roots growing outside the pot definitively signals repotting is when they are the thicker green roots from inside the pot rather than thin, wispy aerial roots.

Look for the green roots with no velamen sheath emerging from pot drainage holes or pushing up potting medium. This shows the orchid has overgrown its container.

When green internal roots are escaping, it’s time to repot into a larger pot. Use an orchid appropriate mix, not regular potting soil. Repotting yearly or every two years is common.

Follow these steps:

• Select a pot 2-4cm wider unless roots are congested, then go bigger.

• Carefully remove from old pot and trim dead roots.

• Place in new container with roots facing edges and aerial roots outside.

• Fill gaps with fresh, orchid specific potting mix like bark chips.

• Water thoroughly. Monitor new root growth.

Aerial orchid roots growing outside pots are normal and healthy. Enjoy them as a sign your orchid is thriving. Just keep an eye on their condition and make minor care adjustments as needed. The only time abundant exterior root growth requires action is if they are the green internal roots, signaling time to repot. With proper orchid care, aerial roots are nothing to worry about.