Did you know that you can get abundant flowers and roots from the orchid if you perform this procedure 1 time a month? Let’s find out what it is and how to perform it!
There is a process that allows you to get abundant flowers and roots from the orchid if you apply it 1 time a month. What procedure is it? The procedure concerns the aerial roots of the orchid, to be cared for in the same way as those in the pot. Let’s find out what to do to have abundant roots and flowers!
The aerial roots produced by orchids are a completely normal process for these plants, in fact they inherit this trait from genetic factors belonging to the species from which they come.
These roots have the function of absorbing water and nutrients and strengthening the plant even more to the soil, as well as contributing to photosynthesis, even if minimally. The behavior does not change when the plant is in the pot.
The roots of the orchid seek water and foothold from multiple sources, in order to ensure their survival. Let’s say that they act like this by instinct, in a natural way, and it is good if the orchid no longer produces roots, as it draws sustenance from aerial ones.
Typically this happens the soil is not good for growing orchids and therefore root production is concentrated outside the pot.
What to do with the aerial roots of the orchid
The aerial roots of the orchid should not be cut, but preferably wet to encourage its growth. To prevent them from going to the ground, it is advisable to put the pot in another larger one so that it is higher and insert the aerial roots in a plastic cup with water. As the water is absorbed, fill the glass to give them the necessary nourishment.
As mentioned above, orchid roots that come out of the pot should never be cut, except when they are dry and dead. These roots add charm to the plant and testify to its good health. In fact, if the orchid has aerial roots outside the pot it is very likely that they have not suffered from waterlogging, so they are certainly healthy.
Avoid potting the aerial roots as there can be a risk of non-adaptation to the bark and therefore they could die. Another trick is to spray water over the aerial roots, so as to help the plant stay hydrated.
When to repot orchid aerial roots
If you don’t want to see these roots out of the plant then repot, but don’t cut them. Before repotting them, however, you must accustom the aerial roots of orchids to a higher rate of moisture that they will find in the soil. Here’s how to do it:
- Wait for the right time to repot the orchid;
- In the 2 weeks prior to repotting, vaporize water on the aerial roots;
- Be careful not to wet the stem and leaves;
- Vaporize water 2 times a day and then increase to 4-5 times.
In this way, the roots get used to the increased humidity and will take root well in the substrate.
Get more orchids from aerial roots
You can also get other orchids from the aerial roots. If there are too many and they are healthy, cut the orchid from the stem side with sharp scissors and separate it from the root. Plant the aerial roots in a separate pot and add a tablespoon of cinnamon powder, making sure that it ends up in the cut part, so as to disinfect it.
At this point, put some clay balls to plant the other orchid, put it inside the pot and add the soil. Leave it for half an hour in hydrogen peroxide so that the roots soften.
Place pine and moss on top to give the plant nourishment and make it grow and develop at its best. You will see that your orchids will develop luxuriantly and produce many beautiful flowers, and abundant ones too! As you can see, the aerial roots of the orchid are very important and you can only cut them if necessary!
