The Conditions for Healthy Orchid Roots

Potting Material

• Choosing the right potting material is one of the simplest ways to keep an orchid healthy. Planting an orchid in potting material that provides the roots with the right support, nutrients and drainage is key to keeping the orchid growing healthily. Pine bark, coconut husks or other easily-drained plant matter mixed with organic compost and peat mixed with regular potting soil is a good mixture for many orchids, according to the University of Florida/IFAS Extension.

Fertilizer

• Orchids require more frequent fertilizing than many other garden plants. Fertilizer for orchids is sometimes a liquid fertilizer applied to the potting soil, and monthly applications during the growing season of the orchid helps keep the plant's roots growing and healthy. Fertilizers in the soil provide nutrients to the plant that sustain growth. Follow all directions on the fertilizer package to avoid adding excess fertilizer, which may burn or otherwise damage the roots of the orchid.

Water and Temperatures

• Some varieties of orchid require a great deal of water, while others grow best with infrequent watering. No orchid's roots should be allowed to dry out, however, as dry soil dehydrates an orchid plant quickly, damaging the roots and moving up to the leaves and flowers above the soil. Orchids grow best in areas with high humidity and temperature, as they are tropical plants; temperature differences of about 10 degrees between night and day keep orchids healthy without damaging the roots.

Dormant Orchid Care

• When orchid flowers die, the roots stay alive; many orchids are perennial and will bloom again. Return blooms require good root care during the flower's dormant period, however. Keep orchids in potting soil and water the roots occasionally to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, however, as mold and mildew may grow in the soil. Do not fertilize the roots of a dormant orchid, as this leads to the growth of harmful pathogens in the planter.