Overgrown Roots

[angie]

I have a collection of several Vandaceous Orchids. In our climate the roots grow quite rapidly, and are several feet long particularly on the Mokaras and Ascocendas.
Would I be harming the plants if I cut some of the really long roots off ?
I have in the past just bundled them up and tied them but even that becomes a bit cluttered in the greenhouse.
What do you think? I would welcome your comments.
Angie

[orchids4me]

Cut Roots?!?!?
I wish I had your problem. Roots are most welcome in my climate
I'm sure someone will know what to do
I really do wish this was an issue for me

[LouisW]

Get a bigger greenhouse!

[Greybeard]

Yikes!! Don't know about cutting healthy roots Thats not a problem here either Hopefully someone will be along soon to help I wish I did have that problem though

[kmarch]

No, don't cut off perfectly good healthy roots. Why compromise the plants ability to take in moisture and nutrients?

[digitalgate]

in our case here if the root start reaching the ground. Cut- they often start to rot. when they reach ground. Assuming your hang the bare root pretty high.

[angie]

Thanks for your reply. Yes the roots grow to the ground from an eight foot roof. If I let them they would certainly grow into the ground. No matter how high I hang them the roots will eventualy get to the ground.
Thanks for your input.
Angie

[angie]

Originally Posted by kmarch

No, don't cut off perfectly good healthy roots. Why compromise the plants ability to take in moisture and nutrients?

I shall take the camera out and take some Pics to let you see what I am talking about.
This is quite common in this tropical climate.
Thanks for responding.
Angie

[kip]

Water the roots thoroughly to make them a little more flexible, then gently roll them into a hoop, and tie them up to keep them off the ground. Make the hoop as narrow as you can without breaking the roots.

[pikkumyy]

how many roots is it?
and how far up would you cut the roots?
and ive heard that if you cut roots then they branch out so maybe you could cut them slowly a couple at a time until they branch if your worried about moisture but 8 feet gives plenty of moisture

I like Kip's idea of rolling it. I would be scared to cut the healthy roots of any plant. I am sure it will affect its growth and flowering. Maybe get a clothes hanger and hang the roots half a loop so it doesnt get too bulky as rolling it up might do.