Question
Hi Jim, I have had this orchid for years. It blooms several times a year. Now it's thin white roots are growing all over and through the leaves and the plant looks like it is just out of control. What should I do about the roots?

Answer
Hi Deb,

I believe what you have may be either a Beallara orchid named Bartley Schwartz.  Beallara is a mixture of 4 different orchid species: Brassia, Cochlioda, Miltonia and Odontoglossum.  These are related to each other sort of like cousins.  

With roots growing all over, it may be getting close to repot time.  Since it is now the fall season, I would suggest waiting until next spring to repot it.  In the mean time, keep growing it as you have been.  You may lightly mist the roots once or twice a week in the morning until you do repot it.  

By the way, I had met your orchids namesake several times, unfortunately Bartley passed away a few years ago.  

Keep up the good work!  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.