Roots almost detached from main plant

[andybowles66]

I'm repotting an orchid (for the first time, so I'm in a state of abject terror). Part of the root system is almost completely detached from the rest of the plant - they're joined together only by a thin fibre, much thinner than a normal root. The almost-detached roots seem to be healthy.

Is this normal, and should I leave this part of the roots attached or cut it off?

If it is a problem, what might have caused it?

Thanks

Andy Bowles

[morphiii]

Originally Posted by andybowles66

I'm repotting an orchid (for the first time, so I'm in a state of abject terror). Part of the root system is almost completely detached from the rest of the plant - they're joined together only by a thin fibre, much thinner than a normal root. The almost-detached roots seem to be healthy.

Is this normal, and should I leave this part of the roots attached or cut it off?

If it is a problem, what might have caused it?

Thanks

Andy Bowles

I think you might have a case of root rot. Please post pic. if you can so that we can see the extent of the problem.

[PhalPal]

If the root at the distal end is healthy, it must be getting what it needs from the thread it is attached to. Leave it alone for now and see if the root survives as it is.

Relax, re-potting really isn't that tramatic to the plant and shouldn't be for you!! Orchids are much tougher then we give them credit for.

[11Orchid126]

I have seen this many times...a root near the plant that looks dead has a healthy end to it. I leave them alone.

[robb]

hmmm, while repotting my phals, i usually have been cutting any of the roots that meet that description. next time around, i'll just leave them if the distal ends look good. any concerns about root rot introduced via the broken mid-portion of roots?