How to Grow Orchid Roots

Plant your orchids into plastic containers filled with appropriate organic material. Place a small layer of stones in the pot first, then fill half the pot with the organic material. Hold the orchid bulb so the roots hang down and touch the organic matter, then fill up the remainder of the pot around the roots with the same organic matter. The roots should be submerged with the bulb sitting on top.

Place the orchid pot on a sunny windowsill or in a greenhouse. The leaves will darken from light green to plum-colored when they are receiving adequate light. The color change indicates the plant is receiving as much light as it can stand and is protecting itself from burning by darkening. This is the ideal scenario for flowering.

Water the orchid sparingly. If the leaves have wrinkled up or the main bulb appears to have shrunk, then provide water. Examine the roots of the plant, too. Healthy roots are white, firm and the tips are slightly green. Roots will appear soggy and rotting if the plant is suffering from too much water. Never place the container in a bowl or container of water. Instead, make sure the water can drain easily.

Repot your orchid when the main part of the plant has started to grow over the edges of the pot. The roots will start to grow over the edge, but this is not a signal that the plant needs a bigger container. If the organic matter has decomposed, then it will need replacing as it will no longer support the orchid roots. When repotting, it may be necessary to cut the pot open with scissors so the roots are properly protected during the process.

Remove any brown or ill-looking roots before repotting the plant. Try to remove any organic matter that is sticking to the roots, too. Prepare the new pot as before and replant the orchid. Water gently and return to the sunny spot.