Question
I have been given the task of repotting my mother-in-law's treasured phalaenopsis.... she lives in a nursing home and it thrives in the year round warmth of her room and the big sunny window it sits in.  It is healthy and often has 2 or 3 blooms at a time.  The problem(?) is that we've noticed what we think are roots growing out of the soil.  They seem to be searching for the sun.  It is now in a plastic pot within a clay pot which she doesn't care for.  Should I re-pot?  Bigger pot?  Should I bury these grey tendrils?  Any advice would be welcome - this is a big responsibility I have been given!  Thanks.

Answer
Yes Christine they are orchid roots.  A specialized type of root called an aerial root.  In areas where phalaenopsis grow naturally, these can be seen hanging from trees and gather moisture and nutrients from the surrounding area.  This is one way in which orchids differ from other plants.  Orchid roots also contain chlorophyll-- so being exposed to light allows them to carry out photosynthesis.  When the plant is done flowering you should repot in a special orchid potting mix.  Better Grow has a phalaenopsis potting mix and schultz also produces an orchid potting mix.  Big franchisers such as Lowes or Home Depot usually carry these in their garden department-- as do other garden centers.  I recommend use of plastic pots with lots of drainage holes.  Becuase the plant is doing well, it proabaly has lots of healthy roots and should be in a somewhat larger pot-- an inch or two larger in diameter.  When you unpot the plant rinse the roots and check for any signs of root rot to be found as mushy roots-- these should be removed.  healthy roots are firm.  Soak the new potting mix before use and also soak the plant roots well before repotting and that will make them less brittle and subject to breakage.  You may tuck the aerial roots into the new pot if you wish.  I like the idea of placing the plastic pot into a clay pot which he;ps even out the temperature near the plastic pot.  Be sure the clay pot has drainage holes.  You may be able to find a more attractive one than the unappealing one.  Once repotted try to maintain conditiond just as they have been becuase the plant has thrived where it has been.  Same watering and feeding cycle, etc..