Orchid aerial roots

Reasons for the appearance

Orchid is a striking representative of tropical plants that has an unusual root system. It belongs to the family of epiphytic plants and has not only ordinary roots, but also aerial ones. This plant was brought to European countries from regions with a tropical climate. Initially, aerial roots helped the plant to attach to tree trunks, rocks and huge stones, and also made it possible to receive water and all nutrients from humid air. The main feature of the orchid is the use of large plants only as a support for growth, and not as a source of nutrients.

The unique structure of thick and cylindrical aerial roots, the surface of which has a porous and spongy structure, makes it possible for the flower to accumulate moisture and minerals and, if necessary, use it for growth and development. To reduce the level of mechanical damage, the plant has a special protective brown layer - velamenu. In the dry climate of an ordinary apartment, the plant produces a lot of aerial roots, which appear during the entire period of life and provide additional moisture supply. Potted plants put aerial roots into the soil.

Subtleties of care

To obtain a healthy plant with a moderate number of aerial shoots, you must carefully study all the intricacies of caring for it. The following rules for caring for an orchid should be adhered to:

• placing the plant on a vertical support without a container with soil;
• transplanting a plant into a transparent pot in the absence of the possibility of hanging growing;
• the use of additional lighting devices;
• protection from direct sunlight;
• creation of a comfortable temperature regime, which is in the range from +16 to +30 degrees;
• implementation of daily watering in summer and 3 times a week in winter;
• regular application of organic and mineral fertilizers;
• carrying out a spring plant transplant.

Plant transplantation must be carried out according to the following recommendations:

removing a flower from an old pot;

removal of old soil from the surface of the root system under a stream of running water at room temperature;
removal of damaged and dry parts of the plant;
disinfection of cutting sites;
laying drainage materials at the bottom of a new flower container;
placing the plant in a pot and carefully filling the container with nutrient soil without compaction.

When a large number of aerial shoots are formed, botanists distinguish the following types of reasons:

• high level of temperature conditions in the room;
• low percentage of air humidity;
• excessive soil moisture;
• poor lighting of the room;
• increased soil density.

In the absence of an underground root system, experienced gardeners recommend increasing it. To carry out this procedure, you need to place the flower in a container with water, in which an accelerator of root formation, phytosporin, a little honey and sugar, as well as a complex of vitamins of group B are added. A prerequisite before growing roots is to remove damaged areas of the plant and disinfect the cut sites. The optimum air temperature in the room is +28 degrees. To fill the cells on the surface of the leaves with water, you need to regularly wipe them with an aqueous solution of succinic acid, because it is an indispensable assistant in strengthening the immune system and in the formation of a strong root system.

Watering a tropical plant can be done in such ways as:

• shower - washing the entire plant with room water using a shower; after the procedure, the aerial roots should have a rich green color;
• immersion - completely lowering the pot into a container of water for a short period of time;
• regular watering - moistening the soil by watering it with a special garden watering can;
• spraying is the best way to moisturize the plant.

Experienced gardeners do not recommend watering in the evening and at night. For irrigation, use built-up water with a minimum concentration of mineral salts. To determine the level of water hardness in specialized departments of pet products, special tests must be purchased. It is forbidden to apply fertilizers to dry and unmoistened soil. In the case of overdrying the flower, it is forbidden to carry out frequent and abundant watering, which will stress the plant and provoke the development of putrefactive processes.

Diseases and pests

• Root rot.
• Neck rot.
• Bacteriosis
• Gray rot.

Sometimes the roots acquire a brown color, friability and putrid odor, turn black, but why this happens is not clear to the florist. Often these problems arise due to putrefactive diseases.

The main methods of combating diseases are:

1. in pruning infected roots with complete removal of the affected areas;
2. fungicide treatment of the soil and root system (three times at two-week intervals);
3. placing the flower in freshly calcined, disinfected soil;
4. creating optimal conditions for the development of the orchid.

Plant pests:

• Spider mite.
• Mealybug.
• Soil mite - Useful in small amounts to control other pests. In case of excessive reproduction, it eats up the roots.
• Snails.
• Slugs.

The parasites eat up the roots of plants and they dry out. With snails, slugs are fought by inspection, destruction of pests.

Against others, the following activities are carried out:

1. treatment with acaricides for soil substrate and root system;
2. plant transplant;
3. decrease in humidity, ventilation;
4. steaming the substrate;
5. reduction of nutrients in the soil.

Care

Important points in caring for a flower with aerial roots:

• You need to hang it up, if possible. This will allow the roots to grow in length and be easy to monitor.
• If it is not possible to hang the orchid, you need to transplant it into a transparent or translucent container.
• Do not allow direct sunlight to hit the flower, but the lighting should be sufficient, therefore, if necessary, you should use additional lighting.
• The air temperature should be + 18- + 30 degrees during the day and +16 at night.
• On hot days, you need to water the flower daily, on cold days - once every 2 days, alternating watering with drying.
• Every month it is necessary to feed the orchid with mineral fertilizers at the rate of 13 grams of fertilizer per 10 liters of water.
• It is necessary to periodically transplant, this should be done after flowering or in spring.

Ways to water an orchid:

1. Warm shower. It is necessary to put the flower in the bath and pour warm water from the shower until the outer roots acquire a greenish tint. Then wait about half an hour for the water to drain completely and wipe the leaves with a cloth.
2. Immersion. If the orchid is healthy, you can completely immerse the flowerpot with it in water at room temperature for 30 seconds and remove it to glass the water.
3. Watering can. Using a watering can for watering, you need to drive it along the edge of the pot until the water begins to pour over the edges. Repeat after the water has drained off.
4. Spraying. The best option for orchids with aerial roots, because they often dry out.

Attention! You can not spray and water the orchid in the evening and at night.

The aerial roots of an orchid are not a disease and do not be afraid to find them.In order to have complete confidence that the plant is healthy, you just need to carefully monitor its condition and provide the flower with caring care.

The meaning and functions of other parts of the plant - dormant buds, pseudobulbs, peduncles, babies, arrows and growth points - we consider in separate articles under the heading "orchid structure".

Reasons for active growth of aerial roots

If your orchid suddenly began to intensively increase the number or length of aerial roots, it means that you made some mistakes in caring for it, so the substrate roots cannot perform one or more of their functions.

Loose substrate

Substrate roots cannot provide reliable attachment of the orchid body to the support plant (in the case of home development, to pieces of bark). Aerial roots are looking for additional support. In this case, as a rule, they increase in length. Confirmation is the condition of the soil: it turned into dust or contains too many small fractions (moss, coconut).

Solution:

• increase the amount of substrate;
• make it denser by reducing the percentage of moss in it;
• form larger pieces of bark.

Saline or acidified substrate

If you abuse fertilizers or acidic soil components (moss, peat), the substrate roots will not adequately supply the orchid with water. The flower will be forced to grow aerial roots. The evidence of this reason is the whitish coating on the fragments of the substrate.

Solution:

• complete replacement of the substrate;
• rinsing the substrate roots with warm, settled water;
• exclusion of fertilizers until the plant is fully restored.

Lack of moisture

In the absence of watering for a long time, the substrate roots cannot provide enough moisture for the life of the orchid. As a rule, in this case, the turgor of the leaves changes - they droop, become lethargic, "rag". Aerial roots, having a greater ability to absorb water from the air, begin to grow.

Solution:

• ensure regular watering of the substrate, optimally - by immersion;
• regularly spray the leaves and the surface layer of the substrate with warm, settled water, trying not to get into the leaf axils;
• humidify the air in the apartment or near the plants (put an open flat container of water next to flower pots;
• remove orchids from the windowsill if it is heated by central heating radiators.

Damage to substrate roots

If the substrate roots are rotten, damaged by a fungus or pathogenic microorganisms (their condition is clearly visible through a transparent pot), then they cannot provide the flower with adequate nutrition. Therefore, the main burden of the orchid's life support is transferred to the aerial roots. The orchid begins to grow them intensively.

Solution:

carefully remove the orchid from their pot, clean from the substrate;
carefully examine the substrate roots;
if they have rotted (turned brown), then cut them to healthy tissue with a sharp disinfected instrument;
sprinkle the cut with crushed activated charcoal or cinnamon;
do not water the substrate for 10-14 days;
actively spray aerial roots.

The orchid "grew" from the pot

If you do not transplant the flower for a long time, then its substrate roots will fill the entire volume of the pot. Through the transparent walls, you can see that the roots interfere with each other, crawl out of the drainage holes. In addition, the plant "rises" above the pot.

The solution to the problem is to transplant the orchid into a larger container.

Orchid grows in an opaque pot

The substrate roots do not fulfill their function of participating in photosynthesis; this function is transferred exclusively to the aerial roots, which begin to increase their mass.

The solution to the problem is to change the pot to a transparent one.

Constant waterlogging of the soil

Velamen on substrate roots in a constantly humid environment cannot fulfill its function, it “suffocates”. The orchid, in order to save itself, begins to increase the number of aerial roots. Proof of waterlogging is the green bloom on the side of the pot, which is facing the light: microscopic algae develop on it. Permanent condensation on the inside of the pot.

Solution:

• wash and disinfect the pot;
• transplant the orchid into new soil;
• establish a watering regime.

Uncomfortable pot temperature

We have already found out that the structure and functions of aerial and substrate roots are the same. Therefore, if the substrate roots are uncomfortable (too hot or too cold), then airy ones begin to grow. Recently, it has become popular to immerse the pot of substrate in hot water to stimulate flowering. If you carry out this procedure too often (more than once a month) or in too hot water (more than 30 degrees), then air roots will not keep you waiting!

Solution: you need to provide a suitable substrate temperature: 22-25 degrees.

Why are the roots coming out of the pot?

The roots crawling out of the flowerpot are the result of improper care of the plant. The reasons can be:

• rare watering;
• frequent watering;
• lack of light;
• low temperature;
• change in the acid-base medium of the substrate.

Important! Lignified aerial shoots are a sign of natural aging of the plant organism

Drying

The natural process of self-preservation is the receipt of nutrients from the air if the earthy clod has become too hard and dry. Drying out of the substrate is one of the common reasons for the abundance of aerial roots. In order for the plant to return to normal, it is enough to revise the moisture regime, the frequency of watering and the amount of water poured out.

Drying can lead to other problems:

• injury during transportation;
• chemical burns when fertilizing;
• as a result, to create favorable conditions for the development of pathogenic bacteria and molds in the wound.

Mold growth

An excess of moisture in the substrate disrupts the aeration regime. To provide itself with oxygen, the plant starts the process of forming aerial roots. It is quite easy to distinguish them from those looking for moisture: waterlogged soil is a favorable environment for the development of molds. The root system of such plants will show signs of infection and decay.

Moldy shoots protruding from the ground are a sign of such problems:

• excess moisture;
• lack of light;
• low ambient temperature.

Stiffening

Dense woody aerial roots indicate aging of the houseplant. During the next transplant, you should do the following:

• carefully examine the rhizomes;
• check for living tissue by immersing in a container of water;
• trim off dead parts.

Color change

Orchid roots are actively involved in the process of photosynthesis. Their color is an important marker of normal functioning:

• bright emerald color - living elements that work optimally;
• gray, faded or light shade - functioning is impaired, but can be restored with proper care;
• soft, slimy, not absorbing water when immersed - these appendages have become useless, they can only be removed. This must be done in order to stimulate the growth of new viable elements. The substrate and the plant itself must be treated for infection.

Why does an orchid have roots growing up from a pot (photo)

The vast majority of flower growers grow orchids in pots, not blocks or hanging baskets. With this method of keeping, it is often possible to face the fact that plants begin to stubbornly grow aerial roots, not wanting to let them into the substrate. Why this is happening, and what to do about it, the proposed material will tell.

Purpose of orchid aerial roots

First of all, it is necessary to understand that in nature, epiphytic plants almost do not use soil, and their root system is adapted to the air environment. This means that the roots of epiphytic and lithophytic orchids are airy in nature. When growing in pots, a person forcibly places them in different conditions.

From the above, it follows that a certain amount of upward-growing roots is completely natural for orchids. They have a very specific purpose:

• capillary capture condensate from the air and participate in the water supply of plants;
• in many species they take part in photosynthesis, produce sugars necessary for plant nutrition;
• serve as a reserve for rotting roots located in the substrate.

If the orchid has several upward-growing roots, but the substrate roots are healthy and continue to grow, there is no cause for concern. You need to be wary only when there are too many aerial roots, and the growth of substrate stops.

Reason 1: Inappropriate soil texture

As a rule, potted orchids are kept for a long time in the same bark substrate with the addition of moss, fern roots, charcoal or other components. Normally, the transplant is carried out once every 2-3 years. During this time, the initial mechanical properties of the substrate change:

• pieces of bark become rotten, fine dust clogs the pores of velamen;
• moss and other hygroscopic organic inclusions rot, cease to fulfill their function;
• pieces of charcoal are washed away.

As a result, the soil becomes too dense, does not allow air to pass through well, does not dry out for a long time, and does not allow the roots to breathe. The orchid begins to compensate for problems with the substrate roots, intensively building up air roots.

The way out of this situation is simple - transplanting into a new soil:

“I bought a phalaenopsis with a different-looking root, but in the pot all the roots were nibbled, but the airy ones grew continuously and even started branching. After 2 months, I realized that something was wrong. After flowering, I took the orch out of the pot - it turned out that there was no bark left there, almost nothing but dust. I transplanted, and after 2 weeks I saw green tips on the roots in a pot and a new leaf ”(Valeria, Yekaterinburg).

Flower root system

Phalaenopsis is an epiphytic plant, that is, it constantly grows on others, but is not a parasite. He does not receive food from other plants.

Roots are additional organs of the vegetative system that provide the main organs with moisture and minerals.

Orchids have underground and aerial roots.

Phalaenopsis aerial roots receive moisture and nutrition:

• from the atmospheric environment;
• from the bark of a phorophyte plant;
• from the substrate.

Its importance in plant life

In a butterfly orchid, the roots perform the following functions:

• Aerial roots attach to rocks and tree trunks. This allows the plant to stretch upward in a darkened jungle and receive the required amount of sunlight.
• The roots receive and transfer atmospheric moisture to the main organs through the process of osmosis.
• Some of the roots burrow into the substrate of fallen leaves and receive nutrients from there.
• Aerial roots are involved in the process of photosynthesis.

Structure

The root of an orchid consists of the following parts:

1. The parenchyma is the main part of the root.
2. Velamena is a coarse, inanimate tissue filled with air.
3. The conductive filament is the root itself, which transfers moisture and minerals to the plant.
4. The apical tip is a growing process of the root that increases the root mass of the plant.

How to distinguish a healthy plant organ from a diseased or dead one?

Distinguish healthy roots from sick ones based on the following features:

1. Root color:
   • indicative of healthy velamen tissue: green, silver, gray, light brown inside the substrate;
   • indicates disease and death: brown, spotted, black.
2. Turgor:
   • healthy roots to the touch: smooth, fleshy, firm, firm;
   • indicates developmental disorders: lethargy, discharge when pressed, velamen separates from the conductor, scaly surface structure.
3. By smell - diseased roots emit a putrid odor.

The state of health of the root system is determined after placing it in water for 2-2.5 hours to saturate it with moisture.

The consequences of overgrowing aerial roots

The division of the root system of indoor epiphytes and petrophytes into air and underground is incorrect. According to their structure and functions, their underground vegetative organs are all airy. In nature, plants use stones or a nutrient medium to anchor to surfaces.

However, if the roots of the orchid have crawled out of the pot very strongly, their incorrect, uneven growth can lead to the development of pathologies. Under unfavorable growing conditions, overgrown lower vegetative organs will lead to the death of the flower.

Drying

Due to the strong overgrowth of the air organs and with the wrong irrigation regime, the root system dries up. With insufficient humidity, the stage of artificial drought develops, after which peduncles actively grow, buds and inflorescences develop. Therefore, if the roots of the orchid crawled out of the pot, then the apical part remains beautiful and healthy.

The increased moisture content of the substrate leads to a decrease in the size of cells and tissues of the root system. This leads either to decay, or to the drying out of the organ. To remedy the situation, it is worth changing the watering regime, gradually increasing the interval between the supply of fluid to the root system.

Mold growth

The process of destruction of protein substances under the action of microbial enzymes of air bulbs of wands, ascocendas, and phalaenopsis is a frequent problem faced by flower growers. What to do with the aerial roots of orchids when decaying?

Usually ammonification of the root system occurs due to the increased amount of moisture in the pot. Liquid stagnation can be avoided by controlling the watering of the soil mixture. In addition, you can make more drainage holes in the container.

Note! After watering the flower, drain the water from the pan after 4-6 minutes. If this is not done, pathogens, mushroom gnats, mealybugs may appear in the substrate.

Redness of the tips

Orchid lovers who have little experience in growing the plant often observe reddening at the tips of the underground air organs. This sign is not a symptom of the disease, but indicates that young roots are actively growing.

"Rust" or blackening

Often inexperienced growers are intimidated by the black-rusty shade of the bulb. If the roots of the orchid have crawled out of the pot and have acquired a black-rusty hue, the culture does not have enough moisture, direct sunlight falls on it. To correct the situation, remove the flower from the place of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, increase watering. If rust or dark brown spots have covered most of the plant, replace the potting mix with a looser, more nutritious substrate.

The appearance of patches of pink or red hues

If an orchid has a lot of aerial roots, on which a peculiar tan appears at elevated temperatures in summer, then this manifestation is not a pathology. There is no need to treat it.

However, a reddish tinge on hygroscopic tissue may indicate the development of fusarium wilting. The disease causes damage by spores of the species of imperfect fungi F. oxysporum Schlectend. Mitospores form reddish patches on the roots. Favorable conditions for the development of pathology are:

• high humidity;
• bad light;
• reduced room temperature.

During reproduction, condids overlap the main vessels of the roots and stem. The flower becomes dehydrated and withers.To neutralize the disease, set the plant aside from the rest of indoor flowers, cut off and throw away diseased areas, treat the affected areas until complete recovery with fungicides.

Stiffening

When buying an orchid, often the root system looks green, but shriveled and woody. More often than not, growers who grow the plant for commercial sale overfeed the pets. At the same time, the flower received nutrients in such an amount that it "did not know" what to do with the overexpenditure. Therefore, the underground vegetative organs began active growth directly from the point of growth of the peduncle and became numb. In this case, the orchid needs to be fertilized with special dressings only on the leaf for several months.