Question
Hello,

I've got a moth orchid with roots that seem to growing out of control!  They're not a bright green but more of a white and shriveled like root system. It appears the roots have "joints" in them - almost like they've stopped growing and then started again and have a joint like we do in our elbow.

The roots are also coming out of the bottom of the holes of my plastic container that I have the orchid potted in.

How am I to care for these roots?  Should I be cutting them at all?  It's come time to repot my orchid so I figured would be a good time to deal with the roots if there is indeed anything I need to do.

Thanks so much

It appears the

Answer
Erin, yes orchid roots can develop joints and brannch out.  Aerial roots can appear dry due to insufficient humidity so they deevelop scar tissue to seal them against water loss. Good root care is important for future plant growth, therefore do not cut off any healthy roots.  When you unpot your plant prior to repotting, you will need to rinse off the roots and remove any that are mushy.  Then, when repotting, try to place as many roots as possible into the new pot.  Some aerial roots may be too high up on the plant for them to be placed into the pot without removing the leaves below them.  Be sure to select a plastic pot with lots of drainage holes and wet the fresh orchid potting mix prior to use.  When you lower the roots into an new empty pot, slowly rotate the pot.  This helps to minimize root damage as the roots should tend to follow the inner pot walls. Add the potting mix after you have inserted the roots into the pot.  Tap the pot as you add the fresh mix to help distribute it amongst the roots.  Orchid roots tend to be brittle so soaking them for a short time will help to reduce the brittleness and lessen the amount of root damage during the repotting process.