Most orchids will have aerial roots reaching out into the air, rather than digging down into the potting media. These roots are looking for a tree branch to attach to. These roots absorb moisture from the air. Do not trim off these wandering roots, just let them do their thing.
You should definitely not remove healthy air roots. There's a good chance you can harm your plant. You could even introduce a dangerous virus. In homes with low humidity, air roots can turn yellow and shrivel.
If the orchid air roots are firm and white, they are healthy and you don't need to do anything at all. Just accept that this is normal behavior. According to orchid experts, you should definitely not remove the roots. There's a good chance you'll harm the plant or introduce a dangerous virus.
To get a new orchid flower spike, place the plant in an area with a lower room temp — about 55–65°F at night should do it. Placing your orchid in a window away from the heater might work, too. We've had best success getting new flower spikes in winter, when our homes and their windows aren't as warm.
If you have recently watered, the roots should be bright green. If you see mushy, brown roots instead, then your orchid roots are not healthy, and this is a sign of overwatering. Mushy, brown roots have root rot, and they cannot absorb enough nutrients or oxygen for the orchid.
Orchids should be repotted when new; every year or two; or when crowded roots push up and out of the pot.
While each growing environment is unique, and watering habits vary from person to person, it is generally a good idea to water about once per 7-10 days, when the mix gets dry. Too much watering leads to root rot, crown rot and other over watering problems like fungus gnat infestations.
When the orchid roots are green, they are healthy and happy. When you start to notice them become grey - it's time to water. If you're watering with the right amount this will usually happen about once a week.
If your plant's aerial roots are getting a little unruly-looking, you can prune them. Simply use a pair of clean, sharp shears to snip them off close to the base where they grow from the plant. Be careful not to cut into the stem!
In nature, orchid roots are often exposed to light. Clear plastic pots mimic these conditions. These types of pots are especially helpful if you are prone to overwatering your orchid. A clear plastic pot makes it easy to see if the potting media is moist before watering.
An orchid with root rot will have brown/mushy roots while healthy roots will be plump and green. Very dark green leaves: Your orchid is not getting enough light. Move it to a place where it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
If your orchid's roots are a healthy green color, then your orchid is sufficiently watered and does not need any more water at this time. … If your orchid's roots are greyish-white, then the orchid is not receiving enough water.
You may also want to mist the orchid with a spray bottle daily. Misting gives the orchid more humidity but does not create a soggy root environment. It is best to put your orchid where it will receive medium indirect sunlight.
When watering an orchid plant, softened water should not be used. Softened water contains salts that may damage the plant. Most chlorinated tap water can be used as long as the chlorine isn't excessive; however, watering orchids with collected rain or distilled water from the store is best.
The best place to water your plant is in the kitchen sink. Use lukewarm water (do not use salt softened or distilled water) and water your plant for about 15 seconds and be sure to thoroughly wet the media. Then allow the plant to drain for about 15 minutes. It may appear dry but it has had enough water.
Larger pots are required for growing larger plants that have more leaves and roots. Pots of the same size can be used for about two years, and then, they have to be replaced with pots that are 1 inch larger in diameter when the orchids are repotted, which should be done once every one to three years.
Your Orchid Has Outgrown Its Pot
Once you notice your orchid's roots seem too crowded in its current container, it's time to repot your orchid. If you see roots beginning to grow up from the plant stem or start to crawl over the side of the pot, it's a telltale sign your pot has become too small.
Healthy, well-watered roots are usually bright green and pliable, but water-deprived roots are greyish-white in color and can become dry or brittle. If your orchid has dry roots, take steps immediately to rehydrate your plant.
Unlike most houseplants, you don't need to keep orchid moss evenly moist; if it stays too moist, the orchid can rot. You can also water your orchid like a traditional houseplant – just apply a splash of water to the moss once every seven to 10 days.
Water Weekly
Just because your orchid no longer has its blooms doesn't mean you should stop watering it. Continue to water your orchid with three ice cubes (one ice cube for orchid minis) on the usual day each week.
How often you water an orchid depends on the species and the environment they're kept in, but, on average, most orchids can be watered once a week to every 10 days. Just be careful not to oversaturate them. “In general, orchid plants need much less water than the average consumer would think.