Question
I have several phalaenopsis orchids that have grown long air roots.  I want and need to repot them but am not sure how I should handle the air roots and am not finding a good answer online.

Answer
Linda, when you unpot a plant with air roots you should soak it for at least an hour prior to repotting.  This will cause the aerial roots to be less brittle when you repot the plant. Use a larger pot with good drainage for repotting. As you lower roots into the new pot, slowly rotate the pot so the roots align along the inside surface of the pot.  Some roots may break, but the objective is to minimize root damage (especially aerial roots which will go into the pot).  I prefer to use a clear plastic pot when available so roots can receive some light and you can observe future root growth. After the roots are in position, add the orchid potting mix. If the new orchid potting mix has a lot of fir bark (recommended), that should be soaked prior to use as fir bark, when dry, repels water. Add the potting mix a handful at a time, gently tapping the pot to encourage the mix to settle amongst the roots.