too many aerial roots?

[dividingcreek]

Hi. I been been growing about seven or eight of the most beautiful phalaenopsis orchids for the past several years in our southern facing sunroom, with little or no care other than weekly watering...they are the "run of the mill" type which I buy at Costco....They are magnificent when in bloom. Somehow, I am overwhelmed with so many aerial roots that I don't know what to do with them. Do I cut off the dried looking ones and keep the others...trim them? Some are a foot long...I feel that they are taking away from the display. Help!

[Ellen]

I just posted something about aerial roots on phals in the "growing media" section. It's perfectly normal for phals to have roots growing outside the pot, and I personally think it adds to their character and charm. If the roots are obviously dead and dried out you can cut them, but as long as they're alive, leave them alone. Your plant will thank you for not mutilating it. When you water the plant, make sure the aerial roots get watered, too, and just enjoy your phals as nature intended them to be.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Many aerial roots can be eased into the pot at the next repotting. If a plant has a particularly good root system, I would have no problem with the trimming or removal of a root or two. But you must be sure the plant really has a good root system, and the plant is not just producing all those aerial roots because it is unhappy with the mix and hasn't any decent roots in the pot. You can usually pull the root ball from the pot if it is plastic, and inspect the roots. Ceramic, clay and pots with lots of holes are another matter. But figure some way to check out the roots before cutting. Sterile tool only for cutting live tissue.

[LLW]

I second Cynthia on checking to see if the plant has a good root system before cutting any. Also, I can't really tell without a picture, but it could be that it is time to repot, maybe even to a slightly bigger pot. Phals like to be a little "rootbound", but they do reach a point where they like a little more room to grow. They just don't like a pot so much bigger that they feel "lonely". Lashelle