Features of root pruning in orchids
Trimming the roots of an orchid is an important part of plant care. But you need to cut the roots correctly and in a timely manner. Otherwise, there is a risk of irreparable harm to the phalaenopsis, which can subsequently lead to the death of the flower.
Pruning orchid roots
When and why the roots are cut
A feature of the phalaenopsis is the way of breathing. In the wild, they grow on the bark of trees and therefore do not need a substrate. The length of the roots of tropical butterflies reaches several meters.
In its natural environment, the plant copes with the task of replacing dry and diseased shoots on its own. When growing domesticated species, a person will have to cut the roots of an orchid, but this should be done only if:
- transplants into fresh soil or during reproduction;
- natural drying out or age-related death;
- decay of shoots.
You can also determine what you need to trim the roots of phalaenopsis by changing the color. Healthy shoots that can absorb moisture and minerals from the air and substrate are thick-walled and white. As it dries, the shade changes, and the parts of the nutrient system themselves dry out.
Tools and fixtures
To remove diseased and dried roots, flower growers will need the following tools, substances and devices:
- Scissors or secateurs. These devices should be sharp enough to nibble on shoots of varying thickness from the first press.
- Ethyl 96% alcohol or other antiseptic for processing instruments. It is also allowed to use fire or natural products.
- Rubber medical gloves. This product not only protects the skin of the hands, but also protects the rhizomes from contact with human body fluids.
- Powdered charcoal or activated charcoal. These substances will help protect the cut areas of the shoots from drying out and penetration of pathogens into open sections.
Also, when carrying out work, you will need an oilcloth and any detergents to disinfect the pot. If the container becomes cloudy and an indelible plaque has appeared inside, then it will have to be replaced with a new one.
Operating procedure
Anyone who wants to know how to properly trim the aerial roots of an orchid should study and follow the sequence of work. It is most convenient to carry out trimming on a wide table covered with oilcloth. Step-by-step instruction:
- Put on gloves. Treat them and tools with an antiseptic.
- Move the phalaenopsis pot to a well-lit place.
- Place the container on its side and carefully remove the flower along with the lump of the substrate.
- Free the shoots from the soil and, if possible, untangle them.
- Trim dry or diseased roots with sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Sprinkle the cut shoots with an antiseptic powder that can absorb the juice.
Before placing the phalaenopsis back into the pot, the container should be washed, dried and treated with any bacteria-suppressing agent. The substrate must also be replaced with a fresh one.These actions will protect the plant from the penetration of a secondary infection, because a favorable flora is formed under the cut off shoots for the development of pathogenic organisms.
It is advisable to cut off the aerial roots of the orchid during the growing moon (from the 3rd to the 12th lunar day). If phalaenopsis needs urgent treatment, then you should not wait for favorable days, because the longer the inactivity, the further the shoots will be affected.
Orchid pruning steps
Follow-up care
After circumcision, phalaenopsis with cut off shoots needs special care.
The main requirements during the recovery period are:
- moisture;
- protection from scorching sun rays;
- prevention of the appearance of pests and prevention of infection with a fungus.
Cut off shoots are susceptible to the penetration of viruses and bacteria, and the flowers themselves will gain strength for a long time.
Provide the plant with the right amount of moisture after pruning aerial shoots by placing the pot in water or succinic acid solution. In the first case, it is advisable to place containers with orchids in containers with water, the level of which should reach the base of the containers. Add water as it evaporates. In the second case, the pots should be placed in the solution no more than once every 3 days, and the rest of the time, keep the phalaenopsis on the windowsill.
An active compound capable of accelerating plant healing and the emergence of shoots is prepared from:
- 1 liter of warm water;
- 4 tablets of succinic acid;
- 1 ampoule of vitamin B12 (sold at the pharmacy).
With proper care, young shoots on phalaenopsis will begin to appear after 30 days. After about 60 days, a new leaf will appear, followed by a flower bud.
Conclusion
Phalaenopsis are able to delight their owners with abundant and long flowering. Tropical flowers grown by humans in houses are more whimsical to the conditions of detention than their wild relatives, because such specimens are bred to a greater extent artificially.
Cutting off the aerial roots of orchids is easy if you know and follow the rules and follow agricultural techniques. A simple procedure helps the plant to regain strength and get rid of unnecessary ballast in the form of lifeless shoots, and is also one of the stages of caring for indoor epiphytes.