Can You Cut Orchid Roots? It Depends on the Orchid Type

Question:

Coworker has a 2-year-old orchid with roots growing out. We wondered if clipping some would kill or stress it. Don't want to harm it. Better to just buy a new one?

Answer:

Hello Lorraine,

It depends on the orchid type (you didn't specify).

• Orchids with long, unbranched roots: don't cut them.
• Roots with branching: okay to trim to ~6 inches.

After cutting, air-cure roots ~1 hour before repotting.

Roots growing outside the pot may signal repotting time. Again, orchid type determines media and pot size.

Sorry I can't be more specific—write back with the orchid name for better advice.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, CA