Orchids are plants with aerial roots found growing in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Most of them are epiphytes and are able to grow without soil as long as they are attached to something. The specialized roots take in minerals, moisture and nutrients from the air. This is similar to how the roots of terrestrial plants take up nutrients from the soil.
Air Roots
HOW DO THEY GROW?
Aerial orchids grow taller each year with new leaves. Flower spikes and roots form where leaves and stems meet. Since orchids have air roots, it is expected to find them on top of the growing medium.
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPOT?
The growing medium should be kept nutritious as for the orchid to grow steadily. This should be done at a two year interval. Also, the aerial Orchids should be repotted after the bloom period is complete. That is when they go into dormancy.
Dormancy is when a perennial plant becomes inactive, waiting for better medium conditions.
Repotting
THE ACTUAL REPOTTING
Preparations
Have a source of water nearby and a flat spot
Use appropriate tools, like:
wooden dowels
garden snippers
a pot or a bucket
Prepare some materials:
hard base for drainage (I.e. pebbles, rocks, broken pot pieces)
fir bark
spaghnum moss
1. Soak the pot in cool, not cold water for 30 mins
That way it is easier to separate buried roots.
2. Remove the Orchid from its pot and cut the shriveled roots
While doing so, avoid bending air roots, they're fragile. Make it look healthy!
3. Place the hard base and then the orchid
Fill the pot with a small layer of pebbles or pot parts. Gently put it back while keeping the orchid's original shape.
4. Fill the pot
Add the fir bark gently, making sure it is snug enough to stabilise the aerial orchid, but not packed too tightly. Top off with 1 inch deep moss.
5. Let the orchid recover
Place the aerially-rooted plant in a cool location with good air flow. After the orchid grows new leaves or roots you can resume taking care of it.
