Orchid Root FAQ

Orchid Care Corner

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Q: What should I do when roots come through openings in the pot
(Net, Slotted, Oxygen Core etc.)?

A: Orchids are notorious for sending roots every different which way. That's not so surprising since orchids growing in the wild are free to extend their roots in search of moisture, food, support and light. There are a few schools of thought on how best to deal with adventurous roots. For example, with Net pots one can snip away the pot if needed when the time comes, and another is to move the plant up to the next size before the roots get too established working through the net material. Slotted pots can be similarly cut or snipped away from roots when the time comes to repot or it is necessary to move the plant up or out of its existing container.

Oxygen Core Dual Pots create a very favorable growing environment and root growth is likely to be quite vigorous soon after potting in them. One can use the inner pot until the roots start to expand and then remove the plant from it and place it back into the outer shell (kind of like taking training wheels off a child's bike).

Vigorous healthy root growth is a good thing, and supports an overall happy and healthy orchid that will produce strong leaves and beautiful flowers. Managing the repotting process so plants are able to develop a strong and expanding root zone is an important part of the equation.

For more information see our orchid repotting information.

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