Orchids

[Bravehearted]

What are the 'roots' being sent out from my orchid (aboveve soil level) this time of year.
The plant is healthy and flowering. Can I cut one of these roots off and spawn another plant?
Thank you in advance!

[237SJ]

I wouldn`t cut the roots off if I were you. I`m not an expert on orchids and you could Google more information but I think that`s normal for orchids. They can put roots out anywhere. I was in an orchid plantation overseas last month and the plants were grown hanging up with their roots entwined around frames. No soil was involved at all.

[boxtops]

Have a look here, bravehearted http://www.groworchid.../propagating-orchids/

[Bravehearted]

Thanks guys ...will co

[welshlibranr]

don't cut off these roots, they take in moisture from the air this way!....just leave them, be fine!............after flowering you can cut back the shoots that have flowered but i tend to leave them too!...but never cut the exposed roots!..........hope this is helpful.................

[Bravehearted]

Will co welshkbr any advice one feeding me Babies alias my orchids

[Answerprancer]

Do you know what kind of orchid it is? Most tropical orchids are epiphytes and regularly send out aerial roots to take in atmospheric moisture, DO NOT cut them off. Some of the stem forming orchids DO spawn babies (called 'kikis') which can be pulled off when they are strong enough and potted on.

[Ann]

I have 4 orchids, 2 of which are flowering again but they are very top heavy now even after being supported with a curly orchid stick. They keep falling over and the soil spilling everywhere which is so annoying.. The other two just sit there looking miserable - even after being fed with special orchid food. When they are in their resting period orchids look so tatty, I don't like having them on display. My husband hates them and keeps threatening to bin them! How can I keep them upright and looking nice all the year round?

[Answerprancer]

..oops! I spelt it wrong (it was from memory).
Keikis:
http://www.easyorchid...ories/keiki-01-OG.jpg

[Answerprancer]

Ann - do you know what they are ? Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) ? Cymbidiums ? Paphiopedilum (slipper orchids). Cymbidiums look a bit like spider plants but with great big "pseudobulbs" at the base of the leaves. Most tropical orchids do well growing in either coarse bark or osmunda fibre.

[Ann]

I think they are moth orchids - beautiful large pink flowers with darker markings. I have one smaller one which is a different variety but have had them for four years now so unfortunately lost the labels.

[welshlibranr]

braveheart, go to any garden centre and you can buy orchid food, use as directed, they will be fine!......you'll need to re pot at some stage, but they'll be fine for now!..........

[Answerprancer]

This sort of shape ? (maybe different colouring)
http://www.blossom-fl...psis-orchid-337-p.jpg
With stiff oval leaves close to the base and the flower stalks up and curved over ? Phalaenopsis orchids shouldn't be any less attractive than any other plant that just has leaves for most of the year.