The Roots of Butterfly Orchids

Bulbs

• Butterfly orchids are orchids that grow from bulbs, which makes them easier to transplant or move to a new planter after a few growing seasons, when they need more space to grow. Bulbs are perennial plants, which means that the phalaenopsis orchids do not die after a single growing season, but produce a new stem and set of blooms for a number of years if they receive the proper types of care.

Potting Material

• Phalaenopsis orchids grow best in a mixture designed for epiphytic plants, or in a combination of bark, hardwood, charcoal, peat and perlite. Putting the bulb of a butterfly orchid in the right type of potting soil gives the roots the right type of support for healthy growth, as well as allowing water to drain properly from the planter. Replace or replenish potting soil after each growing season to keep the roots healthy.

Fertilizer

• Orchid fertilizer is crucial for the successful growth and health of butterfly orchids. Fertilizers provide orchids with the nutrients that are unavailable in potting soil due to the lack of worms, rotting organic matter and other factors of outdoor growing. Add fertilizer to orchid planters at least once a month, or more often, according to the instructions on the orchid fertilizer. Many orchid fertilizers are available in a liquid form that can be applied to the potting material.

Diseases and Problems

• Diseases in the roots of a moth orchid result from excess water in the soil, the presence of grubs or other pests and a poor overall growing environment. A planter that does not drain water allows fungi and bacteria to grow in the soil, which leads to weak, rotting roots in the orchid. Some fungal diseases are treatable with the application of fungicides and a transplantation to a healthy growing environment. Unhealthy roots lead to the production of weak blossoms.