How to grow Phalaenopsis orchid roots: step-by-step instructions

Phalaenopsis is a hybrid flower considered the perfect plant for those who've always dreamed of growing an orchid at home but didn't know how to do it properly. Before learning how to grow roots on a Phalaenopsis orchid, it's worth learning the basics of caring for this plant.

The maximum growing temperature is considered to be 28 degrees Celsius, and the minimum is 10 degrees Celsius. If the substrate is dry, the plant can tolerate lower temperatures. In hot conditions, it is crucial to provide the orchid with good ventilation, and water it only when necessary.

Under normal conditions, watering is limited to once every couple of weeks. Experienced orchid growers recommend watering in the morning to ensure the roots are dry by nightfall. This minimizes the risk of root freezing and subsequent problems. Phalaenopsis should only be fertilized during the budding stage.

Preparing for resuscitation

Rooting phalaenopsis in water will only be successful if the preparatory process is carried out correctly:

1. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and discard the substrate to determine the extent of root damage. Rinse the root system.
2. Select the parts to be removed. Leave the roots that are still light green and have good texture. It's important to note that healthy roots may be whitish; this happens when the pot doesn't receive enough sunlight. The roots you remove will be beige with a brown tint.
3. Damaged leaves that appear wilted should not be touched. The orchid will shed them on its own when the time is right.
4. You can safely remove the flower stalks. They will be the culprit behind slow root growth, as the plant will devote more energy to the flower stalks. The most you can leave is the lower part.
5. All excess parts are removed with sterile instruments. At this stage, areas indicating rot or dryness can be removed from healthy leaves.
6. The cut needs to be treated. This is necessary to prevent possible rot, which can completely kill the plant in just a couple of days.
7. Treatment is carried out with ash, cinnamon, or activated charcoal. Many also use charcoal or Fugnicid for this purpose (with the latter, soak for no longer than 15 minutes, and reduce the dosage by half, based on the manufacturer's recommendations). The use of brilliant green or iodine is prohibited. Such products will only harm the plant, causing a burn.
8. The final step is drying. This doesn't take much time: anywhere from half an hour to several hours.

Treatment and recovery in a greenhouse

A greenhouse can create conditions similar to those in a plant's natural environment. It's easy to regulate the plant's desired humidity and temperature. These conditions allow orchids to grow rapidly, with noticeable growth almost daily.

A greenhouse can be made using a 10-liter plastic bottle or an aquarium. Cover the bottom with expanded clay. A thin layer of it is needed. Place moss on top. The area where the plant's root begins should be in contact with the moss. The roots will be visible after two weeks. Once they are large enough (at least 4 centimeters), the plant can be potted. This method is good if you don't know how to root a Phalaenopsis orchid without roots.

In the water

Root growth in phalaenopsis in water can be done in different ways:

1. Alternating between soaking and drying is a good method. In this case, the plant is placed in a large container. The base should be submerged in water for 6 hours, after which the plant is left to dry until the next day. The water can contain honey or sugar, and liquid potassium fertilizer can be applied once a month.
2. Constantly soaked. This method is similar to the previous one. All you need to do is drain the water. The plant needs to be soaked constantly, but the water should be changed at least every 5-7 days.
3. Above water. Fill the bottom of the container with water and position the phalaenopsis so that the root is above the water. The container containing the plant should be closed. The orchid should be soaked daily in plain water with sugar added.
4. Roots up. This method is considered the most effective. The plant is placed in a cut bottle with the leaves facing up. Using the length of the leaves (the middle) as a guide, the phalaenopsis is filled with water. The water should contain charcoal. The root visible at the top should be sprayed daily.
5. In a substrate. This method is only suitable for plants with a few healthy roots remaining. These should be at least 2 centimeters long. When using this method, it's important to monitor the substrate's moisture. To maintain moisture, submerge the plants in water, just as you would a healthy plant. Growth can be stimulated by using vitamin B1 diluted in water. A good option is resuscitation in sphagnum moss, placed in a bag. Sphagnum moss is excellent at retaining the moisture needed for root growth.
6. On the bark. The plant is secured to the bark, with its base in direct contact with the bark. Treatment with vitamin B1 is necessary. Watering is not necessary, and spraying is avoided. This method of reviving a phalaenopsis will yield results within three months.

Root dip solutions

Now you know how to grow Phalaenopsis orchid roots over water and other resuscitation methods. To ensure successful plant revival, you need to know which solutions are used to treat the roots.

1. Ribav Extra. An excellent solution for strengthening even the most weakened roots. Just a few drops per 200 milliliters of water. It is one of the most popular growth regulators currently available. Its popularity is due to Ribav Extra's undeniable effectiveness.
2. Zircon is known for its gentle action on orchid roots while promoting active growth at the cellular level. This product helps achieve the perfect balance between root growth and root health.
3. Radipharm helps achieve rapid results during orchid resuscitation. Phalaenopsis treated with this solution will quickly develop not only central but also lateral roots.
4. A new synthetic regulator. Its use leads to rapid root formation, which, among other things, can very quickly and effectively absorb all important mineral components.

Common mistakes of gardeners

Reviving a rootless phalaenopsis is not without its mistakes. It's difficult to find someone who has performed this procedure quickly and effectively the first time. Major mistakes during plant resuscitation include skipping all preparation steps or failing to water or spray in a timely manner when using resuscitation methods that require the following steps:

• Growing roots in water

If you have a rootless phalaenopsis and need to quickly learn how to save it, try this method. It's a popular method for growing orchid roots, as it almost guarantees good results. The main thing is to remember to change the water weekly and occasionally soak the plant in a glucose solution. Now you know how to grow roots on a phalaenopsis that seems to have no chance of survival.

• Orchid lighting

A north-facing window is the best place to grow this orchid. This flower can grow on windowsills facing other directions, but a north-facing window is preferred. It needs sufficient sunlight for normal development. However, in spring and summer, it's important to ensure that the sun doesn't damage the orchid's sensitive leaves.

• Rules for transplanting phalaenopsis

Repotting is only done in extreme cases. Orchids don't like repotting, but it's necessary when the roots begin to rot or the root system becomes crowded in its pot. Before repotting, the plant's roots are cleaned and any damaged areas are trimmed. The cuts are treated with charcoal. Charcoal is considered an excellent disinfectant and protector against rot. Expanded clay or granite is placed at the bottom of the new pot to ensure good drainage.