White Egg-Like Masses on Orchid Roots: What Are They?

White Eggs on Orchid Roots: Identification and Repotting

Emma in Melbourne has two orchids from 19 months ago. One died from overcare; the other is flowering beautifully but has white egg-like masses on roots. A child knocked it, cracking the pot (taped). She asks when to repot and what to do about the white masses.

Expert Response

Emma, can't be certain what the egg-like masses are—several possibilities. Plant is doing well and flowering, so enjoy flowers. No need to repot until flowering finishes unless plant shows distress. Prepare fresh mix and new pot. Use mix with fir bark, tree fern, osmunda, or combo; avoid moss. Phalaenopsis best in plastic pot with many drainage holes. Masses likely due to broken-down mix. When repotting, remove plant, rinse roots thoroughly (spray water) to remove masses. Cut off collapsed/stringy roots (dead). Healthy roots are firm, turn green/yellowish when wet. Soak fresh mix before use—dry fir bark repels water. Assuming Phalaenopsis (most common); if another type, potting advice may differ. Tip: after repotting in plastic pot, insert into a clay pot with drainage holes for stability.