Did you know that you can get abundant flowers and roots from the orchid if you perform this procedure once a month? Let’s find out what the process is and how to carry it out!
There is a procedure that allows you to obtain abundant flowers and roots from the orchid if applied once a month. What process is this? The procedure concerns the aerial roots of the orchid , which must be treated in the same way as those in the pot. Let’s find out what to do to have abundant roots and flowers!
Why the orchid produces aerial roots
The aerial roots produced by orchids are a completely normal process for these plants, in fact they inherit this characteristic from genetic factors belonging to the species from which they come.
These roots have the function of absorbing water and nutrients and further strengthening the plant to the soil, in addition to contributing to photosynthesis , even if minimally. The behavior does not change when the plant is in the pot.
The orchid’s roots seek water and support from multiple sources to ensure its survival . Let’s say that they act like this instinctively, naturally, and it’s good that the orchid doesn’t produce more roots, as it takes its sustenance from the aerial ones.
This usually happens because the soil is not good for orchid growth and therefore root production is concentrated outside the pot.
What to do with orchid aerial roots
The aerial roots of the orchid should not be cut, but preferably wet to stimulate growth. To prevent them from falling to the ground, it is advisable to place the pot in a larger pot so that it is higher and insert the aerial roots into a plastic cup filled with water. As the water is absorbed, fill the cup to give them the nutrition they need.
As already mentioned, the roots of orchids 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 water stagnation, so they are certainly healthy.
Avoid potting the aerial roots, as there may be a risk that they will not adapt to the bark and therefore die. Another trick is to spray water on the aerial roots , to help the plant stay hydrated.
When to Replant Orchid Aerial Roots
If you don’t want to see these roots outside the plant, replant them, but don’t cut them. Before replanting them, however, it is necessary to accustom the aerial roots of the orchids to a higher level of humidity that they will find in the soil. Here’s how to do it:
- Wait for the right period to replant the orchid;
- In the 2 weeks before replanting, spray water on the aerial roots;
- Be careful not to wet the stem and leaves;
- Spray water 2 times a day and increase to 4-5 times.
This way the roots will get used to the greater humidity and will root well in the substrate .
Get More Air Root Orchids
You can also get other orchids from aerial roots. If there are many of them and they are healthy, cut the orchid from the stem with sharp scissors and separate it from the root . Plant the aerial roots in a separate pot and add a spoonful of cinnamon powder, making sure it ends up on the cut part, to disinfect it.
At this point, place some clay balls to plant the other orchid, place them inside the pot and add the soil. Leave it to act for half an hour in hydrogen peroxide so that the roots soften.
Place pine and moss on top to nourish the plant and make it grow and develop at its best . You will see that your orchids will grow lushly and produce many beautiful and abundant flowers too! As you can see, the aerial roots of the orchid are very important and you can only cut them if necessary!