Question
My husband purchased a Phalaenopsis orchid for me as a gift from the local Home Depot (right away trouble, as I know from past they do not take good care of the indoor plants at this location. Little did he know what he thought was "shredded paper" on the inside of the plastic surrounding plant were actually the roots, growing upward and out! (Glasses honey, need to wear your glasses) Anyway, I've been watering it the best I can, and the flowers have been blooming, and plant is alive, I've had it for over a month now - believe it or not, I left the plastic around it to help support the weight from the roots - it looks lowsy,and I'm sure I am encouraging the plant to continue to grow in this fashion, but I don't know what to do - the roots are still growing upward. Common sense tells me to repot, but I don't know how? Can I clip the roots back?I fear that if I try to manipulate the roots to repot, they may snap? Should I just cut my losses? Help!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

No need to cut your losses or ditch your husband! I cannot be sure how the HD folks handled your moth Orchid, but it seems to be doing quite well under your care. Flowers typically last for 1-2 months.

It is common for Phalaenopsis roots to grow out of their containers and it does not mean they are potbound or in need of a larger pot. And you should never mess with the roots when it is in flower.

Water your plant weekly by taking it to the sink and flooding all of the roots (those inside and outside the pot) with lots of wart straight from the tap. (Use filtered or distilled if your tap water is hard.)

I have written an article on the complete care of Phalaenopsis, that will explain all of this and more in far greater detail. If you send me an email address I will send you a copy.

In addition, I can give you more specific advice if you can email me some photos of your Orchid. A fairly close shot that shows all of the roots will be particularly helpful.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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