What do I do with white air roots?

[kati]

Hi,
I'm new to orchids and don't know what to do with the air roots emerging on one of my plants. From working with other plants in my garden I'm thinkking I ought to be able to separate them (and some attached foliage) from the plant and somehow establish a new plant? Is this correct, and if so, how do I proceed so as not to damage the plant?
Or am I crazy?
(I bought four plants last Sept. in Cal. and successfully got them home to Minn. and through the winter and summer.)

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

It would help to know what kind of orchids you have. Some are monopodial, just grow upwards, and should not be divided. Sympodials produce a new growth at the base of the plant every year, and for most should not be reduced below 3 growths (produced over 3 years) in a row. Anything less than this will prevent blooming. Four in a row is probably even better. Keikis, plantlets that grow up near the top of canes or out a ways on bloom silkes, can be removed when they have a few roots and potted up as separate plants.

Sometimes air roots can be guided into the pots with a little pressure from twist-tie material. But if they like growing outside the pot, just let them do it. Nothing special you need to do. When repotting, many of these can be put back into the new/reused pot. Cynthia

[jerrymeola]

Dividing orchids is not much different then dividing any other plant. If it is big enough just cut it off an re-pot it.

Potting orchids you have noticed is different than other plants in that we use a loose potting medium, most commonly bark pieces. This is because the roots need air as much as water and fertilizer. With this slight condition go ahead and propagate a new plant.

[kati]

Thanks for your help!