Repotting Phalaenopsis: Handling Aerial Roots, Dead Roots, and Pot Size

Your Phalaenopsis finished blooming. You cut one spike halfway, wait for the other to drop flowers. You ask: repot now? Cover all roots or leave aerial roots out? Five roots grow out of the pot—some silver/green, some brown/dry. Do aerial roots absorb air moisture?

Repot After All Flowers Drop

Best time is post-bloom.

Aerial Roots: Tuck In If Short, Leave Out If Long

Short ones can go in the pot. Long ones can stay out—mist them mornings to maintain humidity. They do absorb atmospheric moisture.

Root Color Guide

• Silvery/grey with green tip = healthy, active.
• Brown, dry, hollow = dead, cut off.

Aerial Roots Often Signal Mix Breakdown

Many aerial roots can mean the plant is escaping deteriorating mix. Fresh bark-based mix in the smallest suitable pot solves this.

Pot Size: Smaller Is Better

Use the smallest pot that holds the root mass. Large pots stay wet too long, inviting rot.