Can you leave aged orchid roots unpruned, or will they rot?

The roots of a Phalaenopsis look old, but they are not completely rotten. Is it okay not to prune them? If you do not prune them, will they rot even more? I believe many friends who grow Phalaenopsis have experienced this "old root anxiety": looking at wrinkled old roots, they always feel they are a "hidden danger", but they are also afraid that pruning wrong will cost more than it is worth.

The healthy roots of a Phalaenopsis are plump and white with crystal tips, and feel firm and elastic to the touch; old roots, however, are darker in color, possibly brown or grayish-brown, feel a bit soft, and have little luster, but have not yet reached the point of crumbling at a pinch. If this kind of half-old but not rotten root is kept, will something go wrong?

To be honest, not pruning is not impossible, but it is risky. The absorption capacity of old roots has already been greatly reduced, and taking up water and fertilizer is difficult. At this time, if new roots want to grow, the old roots still occupy space, and the space in the substrate is filled up, so ventilation and air permeability become poor. After watering, moisture does not dissipate easily, and over time, humid air easily builds up around the old roots--does this not lay the groundwork for root rot?

What is even more troublesome is that although the old roots are not rotten, their epidermis may already be damaged, and their resistance is especially weak. If too much water is given, the substrate is not breathable, or the ambient temperature fluctuates, pathogens can easily enter through the weak spots of the old roots. At first, it may just be a small area of the old root rotting, but the roots of a Phalaenopsis are connected together, and the pathogens will slowly spread along the root system. Before long, healthy new roots may also be dragged down, and by then it will be difficult to save them.

Some people say, "My old roots did not rot even though I kept them." This may be because your care environment is particularly good--ventilation is excellent, watering is very restrained, and the substrate is very breathable. But this kind of "luck" is hard to maintain all the time. For example, during the plum rain season the humidity is high, or in winter the home is stuffy, and old roots that were originally fine may suddenly develop problems. By the time you notice, a whole patch has often already rotted, so it is better to act earlier and make room for new roots.

Of course, not all old roots have to be cut off without exception. If the whole Phalaenopsis is still in decent condition, the number of old roots is small, only one or two, and the new roots are growing vigorously, then for the time being you can leave them and observe. But you need to check more diligently. Once you find signs that the old roots are becoming soft or black, cut them off immediately, do not delay.

If the old roots already account for more than half, or the new roots are growing few, then you must prune. When pruning, use sterilized scissors to thoroughly remove the old roots, apply carbendazim to the wounds and let them dry, then replace with new sphagnum moss or bark, so that the new roots can grow well in a clean and breathable environment. Remember, pruning old roots is not "taking life", it is reducing the burden on the Phalaenopsis and letting it concentrate nutrients on new roots and flowering.

Old roots are like expired parts: keeping them unused still takes up space, so it is better to clean them up in time, and only then can the Phalaenopsis grow more vigorously. When it is time to be ruthless, do not be soft-hearted. Handle it early and save yourself worry early!