Did you know that you can get plenty of flowers and roots from the orchid if you perform this procedure 1 time per month? Let’s find out what it is and how it is done!
There is a procedure that will allow you to get abundant flowers and roots from the orchid if you apply it once a month. How does it work? The procedure affects 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 forms aerial roots
The aerial roots produced by orchids are a completely normal process for these plants, as they inherit this trait from genetic factors of the species from which they descend.
These roots have the function of absorbing water and nutrients, strengthening the plant even more for the soil, as well as contributing to photosynthesis , albeit minimally. The behavior does not change when the plant is in the pot.
The roots of the orchid seek water and support from different sources to ensure survival . Let’s assume that they behave this way instinctively in a natural way and it is good if the orchid does not form more roots because it feeds on the above-ground ones.
Usually this happens: the soil is not good for growing orchids 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 wetted to encourage their growth. To prevent them from going to the ground, it is advisable to place the pot inside another larger one so that it is higher and place the aerial roots in a plastic cup with water. When water is absorbed, fill the glass to give them the necessary nourishment.
As we have already mentioned, the roots of orchids that come out of the pot should never be cut unless they are dry and dead. These roots give charm to the plant and are evidence of its good health. If the orchid has aerial roots outside the pot, it is very likely that it has not suffered from water stagnation, so they are certainly healthy.
Avoid potting the aerial roots as there is a risk that they will not adapt to the bark and therefore they may die. Another trick is to spray water over the aerial roots to help the plant stay hydrated.
When should the orchid’s aerial roots be repotted?
If you don’t want to see these roots outside the plant, repot it but don’t cut it off. Before repotting, however, you need to accustom orchid aerial roots to higher humidity found in soil. Here’s how to do it:
- Wait for the right time to repot the orchid;
- In the 2 weeks before repotting, water evaporates from the aerial roots;
- Be careful not to wet the stem and leaves.
- Evaporate the water 2 times a day and then increase it to 4-5 times.
In this way, the roots get used to the increased humidity and root well in the substrate .
Get more orchids from aerial roots
You can also get other orchids from aerial roots. If there are too many and healthy, cut the orchid sideways on the stem with sharp scissors , separating it from the root . Plant the aerial roots in a separate pot and add a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, making sure it lands in the cut part, to disinfect it.
At this point, place some clay balls to plant the other orchid, place it in the pot and add the soil. Leave it in hydrogen peroxide for half an hour so that the roots soften.
Put pine and moss on top to feed the plant and allow it to grow and develop optimally . You will see that your orchids develop luxuriantly and produce many beautiful flowers, and abundantly too! As you can see, the orchid’s aerial roots are very important and you can only cut them when necessary!
