The orchids and the epiphytes which do not grow in soil tend to make air roots. At the initial stage of the orchids which means during their seed stage, they tend to stay enclosed to the trees when they are moving around the air. Further they tend to produce roots which would grip vigorously towards the tree.
In short, stability. Aerial roots make the orchid safe and secure, signaling it’s safe to send out a flower spike. With unstable roots, the orchid will not send out a flower spike. (Source) As if the orchid followed a pyramid from Maslov’s Hierarchy of Needs, they place safety before propagation of species.
I learned the best time to repot an orchid is during its active growth phase, which occurs during summer. To repot orchid plants, we need the following components, take the orchid out of its old pot, prepare the working space, shop for the components necessary for repotting, and remove the old potting medium are a few more things to think about.
Do orchids have aerial roots?
They truly live in the air. Most orchids will have aerial roots reaching out into the air, rather than digging down into the potting media. These roots absorb moisture from the air. Do not trim off these wandering roots, just let them do their thing.
Aerial roots make the orchid safe and secure, signaling it’s safe to send out a flower spike. With unstable roots, the orchid will not send out a flower spike. (Source) As if the orchid followed a pyramid from Maslov’s Hierarchy of Needs, they place safety before propagation of species.
Should orchid roots be exposed?
There’s nothing wrong with orchid rootsbeing exposed to the air. In their natural habitat, orchids aren’t even in soil, instead clinging to the sides of trees and rocks. As long as the roots are healthy and the plant is getting enough water, there’s no need to worry.