Many exotic plants and different varieties of orchids have aerial roots. This is the same natural indicator of plant growth and development, as well as the buds that form.
The main function of air roots of an orchid is the accumulation and subsequent use of moisture. These processes have a fairly porous and loose upper layer that is capable of absorbing moisture molecules from the surrounding air, thereby creating a reserve reserve.
Also, with the help of these roots, the plant can crawl and grow, like lianas.
Why do orchids have many aerial roots?
Experts say that the whole root system of orchids of any variety can be called airy. Those that grow beyond the pot are different from the more dense multi-layered surface that has taken root in the ground. This is natural, when the plant has several units of air root shoots. But the answer to the question of why the orchid has many air roots, there can be only one - excessive hydration of plants. When the water balance is disturbed, the plant begins to grow literally in different directions by the root system. In such a situation, the number and frequency of watering should be slightly reduced. Otherwise, the exot will start to rot and soon it can completely die.
Is it necessary to cut the air roots of an orchid?
Many beginners in floriculture are wondering whether it is necessary to trim the air roots of an orchid? Guided by their own feelings, they begin to collect "runaway" in different directions of the process into the pot or cut them. All this is not necessary.
So, is it possible to trim the air roots of an orchid? This should be done in two cases:
- If the processes began to rot because of the abundance of moisture;
- if they began to dry because of insufficient watering and too dry and hot air.
Even the most experienced florist often can not distinguish healthy roots from beginners to fall ill. How can we identify diseased roots and neutralize them? For this, the following actions are performed:
- Orchid should be put in a container of water and left for an hour. After this time, healthy roots are painted in a bright green fresh color, as if poured with moisture.
- After this check, you should cut the diseased sprouts as close as possible to the root system, trying not to injure the healthy tissue of the plant.
If the orchid accidentally broke the air root, then do not be upset and worry about the condition of the whole plant. The remaining process can be deeper cut off at the root, so that it does not begin to dry. Any orchid very quickly begins to grow additional roots.
Careful care and monitoring of the plant will allow timely detection of a problem and eliminate it.