Understanding the root system of succulents is crucial for their optimal growth and survival. Contrary to many plants, succulents exhibit a unique, predominantly shallow root system. Stem succulents tend to have shallow but long fibrous roots that grow horizontally to quickly absorb water from intermittent rainfall in hot, dry climates. Those with tap roots are …
Which Succulents Have Shallow and Deep Roots? (Explained) Read More »
Repotting oncidiums can be daunting because they often become root bound when their thin, fragile roots become so tightly packed that they become impossible to separate. A root-bound oncidium isn’t necessarily an immediate concern if the plant is still flowering and not showing any signs of ill health. However, the longer you wait, the more …
No wonder why many people want to grow aerial roots on their houseplants, orchids, bonsai, and even succulents. Not only do they add a special look to the plant, but they also help absorb moisture and nutrients in the air, and stabilize the plant. So how do you stimulate aerial roots? The natural approach is …
4 Effective Ways to Promote Aerial Roots (Explained) Read More »
When white fuzz appears on seedlings or seeds, many people mistake it for mold and throw their plants away. Chances are it is healthy root hair that often develops on the young roots of seedlings and even on aerial roots. Being able to tell the difference between root hair and mold is important especially …
Fuzzy Roots: Root Hair or Mold? (How to Identify) Read More »
When you see fine roots coming out of the stems of your Jelly bean plant (Sedum rubrotinctum), don’t panic! Like many other succulents with stems, roots that grow above ground or “aerial roots” are fairly common. Although they are not bad for the plant, they are trying to tell you something about the plant’s health. …
If you have not repotted your orchid for over two years, chances are your orchid is “root-bound” or “pot-bound”, with a lot of roots packed inside the pot and growing out of the pot through the drainage hole and the ventilation slits on the side. If you grow your orchids in terracotta pots, you may …
Orchid Roots Stuck to Pot? (How to Repot Without Damage) Read More »
Most people believe that it is difficult to grow roots, especially for a sick orchid that has lost its roots to root rot or overwatering. To encourage an orchid to grow roots, you only need to provide two conditions: warm temperature and moisture (but not too much) at the base of the stem. Also, a …
How To Promote Orchid Root Growth? (Easier Than You Think) Read More »
Finally you have a baby orchid, or a “keiki”, appearing with a few leaves on a spike. But the initial excitement often turns into anxiety after waiting for months and still not a sign of roots. Is this normal? How long does a keiki take to grow roots? A keiki can take at least 8 …
Still No Roots On Keiki? (Tips To Stimulate Them) Read More »
When an orchid goes crazy sending roots into the air out of the pot, you may be wondering if the orchid is trying to tell you something about the medium. Why does an orchid grow so many roots outside the pot? It is natural for epiphytic orchids, especially Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, to grow aerial roots in different …
Why My Orchid Has So Many Air Roots (What to Do?) Read More »
If your orchids ever had rotten roots before, you must know what “stringy roots” are. Those are string-like pith or stele with a small diameter that is left behind after slipping off the brown rotten, mushy covering on the outside of a root. When you repot such an orchid, you may want to know: Should …
Orchid’s Stringy Roots: Trim Them or Leave Them? Read More »
