Causes and Solutions for Dry Air Roots on Phalaenopsis Orchids

A perfectly healthy Phalaenopsis orchid is growing along, and then suddenly those exposed aerial roots dry up. Some get all wrinkled like shriveled kelp, and others turn dark brown outright. Actually, there is no need to panic about this. First figure out why the aerial roots are drying up, then treat the problem accordingly.

Why do aerial roots dry up? The most common reason is air that is too dry. The aerial roots of a Phalaenopsis orchid are not just for show; they can absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. If the environment at home is too dry, such as when the air conditioning or heating is on, or if you have not misted the surroundings for a long time, the aerial roots will slowly lose water and dry out, just like a person who is thirsty.

Improper watering can also easily cause problems with aerial roots. Some growers think that dry aerial roots mean a lack of water, so they pour water into the pot again and again, which leads to water accumulating in the pot, the roots rotting down below, and the aerial roots above drying out as well - this is because once the roots are damaged, they can no longer supply nutrients to the aerial roots. Conversely, if you forget to water for a long time, the whole plant lacks water, and the aerial roots will naturally dry out faster. This is just like how a person who does not drink water for a long time will have dry, flaky skin.

There is also the issue of light that is too intense. Phalaenopsis orchids like diffused light. If you put one on a south-facing windowsill, the direct midday summer sun will make the aerial roots hot to the touch, moisture will be lost too quickly, and they will soon dry up.

So how should dried aerial roots be handled? First, do not rush to cut off the dry aerial roots. Look at the situation first. If only a small number of aerial root tips are dry while the rest is still white and tender, then there is no need to cut. Quickly adjust the care environment. Mist around the aerial roots two or three times a day to keep the air moist, but do not spray so much that water accumulates on the leaves. If the home is too dry, place a shallow dish of water next to the flower pot, or use a humidifier; both work well.

If quite a lot of the aerial roots are dry, or even a bit black, then you need to check the potting medium. Turn the pot upside down and look to see whether the medium has compacted or is waterlogged. If so, repot promptly and replant it using well-aerated sphagnum moss or bark. The rotted roots should be cut off, and the cut surfaces should be coated with carbendazim to prevent infection. After repotting, place it in a ventilated spot with diffused light, do not expose it to strong sun, and wait for it to recover.

The watering method also needs to be changed. Do not pour water aggressively straight into the pot. It is best to use the soaking method: place the flower pot in shallow water and let the water slowly soak upward from the bottom of the pot. After about ten minutes, take it out. This way there will be no water accumulation, and the roots can still drink their fill. Usually, feel the sphagnum moss, and water again once it is a little dry. Do not water too frequently.

It is normal for a Phalaenopsis orchid to have a few aerial roots dry out occasionally. As long as it is not a large-scale drying out, it will soon recover after you adjust your care methods. If it really bothers you to look at, then once the aerial roots are completely dry, just cut them off with clean scissors. Do not feel bad about it; healthy new roots will grow out again very soon.