Date: 02/01/2010

The key to growing beautiful, healthy and thriving orchids is keeping the roots fresh and clean.

You could do than in stages:

a) Remove the orchid from the medium and clean the roots in a white paper

b) Look for rotted or dead roots. Differentiate between the green healthy roots and the yellow stringy dry roots or the hollow, dry mushy roots. Cut off the old roots from the root bulb.

c) Cut off the rotted roots a little further from the rotted area

d) Orchids require air flowing between the roots. Removing the old roots will facilitate the air circulation.

e) Use fresh potting mix or medium to repot the orchid.

Click here for info on roots damage from fertilizers

Photo: Hanging roots of Orchids. Green couloured roots are healthy and new.

Trimming the roots and cleaning the debris around the roots at least every six months will help a healthy growing plant.