orchid sprouting ariel roots - Orchid Board

galer1981 · #1 09-07-2010, 05:31 AM

Please help.

My beautiful Orchid is now 2 years old and has flowered again. However in the last few months it's had a mad growth spurt and developed roots which are very high on the plant.

I've attached a picture what should I do with these? Does it need repotting and if so how do I pot these high roots whithout covering the healthy bottom part of the orchid.

orchidsamore · #2 09-07-2010, 05:57 AM

Those very high leaves and roots are called keiki, which is a Hawaiian word for baby or child.

They are new plants and can be removed and potted separately. Cut the stem about a half inch below and above the keiki and re-pot.

After two years it is time to also re-pot the mother plant. Medium breaks down in the pot and needs to be replaced.

Remove the mother plant and clean off the old medium. Cut off any dead or soft roots and replace it in the same pot. It does not need a larger pot.

It has done so well for you use the same type of potting medium. It probably is a mixture of several types. If you are not sure post another photo and we will try to help.