Caring for orchids doesn't just include the usual watering and fertilizing. The aerial roots must also be healthy so that the plant can thrive. And since these are a special type of roots, some are unsure about this. How do you care for them properly, in which cases can you cut and is that color or that spot on the aerial root actually normal or a sign that something is wrong? Today we're going to look at what it means if the orchid has brown roots or brownish-black spots.
If the orchid gets brown roots - spots on the aerial roots above ground
The roots on the surface may develop dark brown to black spots, which also appear dry. This is particularly strange if the orchids are actually in a damp room or are sprayed regularly and should therefore be sufficiently moistened. The next thought that may come to your mind may be that you may have overdone it and it isabout a mushroomas a result of too much moisture. However, a look at the visible roots in the substrate shows that this problem does not appear to be present. What is it then?
This is the reason that the orchid has brown roots
Brown spots on the root are a sign of high salt content. Salts reach the orchid roots via irrigation water and fertilizer. If you use very calcareous tap water for irrigation, the orchid will eventually develop brown roots or spots. Exceeding the amount of liquid fertilizer specified by the manufacturer (i.e. not diluting it enough) also leads to these so-called burns.
This means that the concentration of nutrients is too high. But that doesn't always mean that you actually dofertilize incorrectlyor have fertilized too much, because the following usually happens:
- You dip your orchid as usual and with the specified amount.
- After the immersion time, dispose of the fertilizer water and the roots only absorb the remaining nutrients before everything has drained off.
- However, drops usually collect on the roots on the surface, which of course also contain salts (after all, they come from the immersion water).
- As the water evaporates over time, the nutrient salt concentration also increases.
- This increased concentration causes the respective areas to burn and the orchid develops brown spots on the roots. This usually happens on the superficial roots, especially when the air is relatively dry (and the water evaporates more quickly).
What can you do about it?
- Is theresidual moistureThe only way to prevent or at least reduce the cause of burning is to increase the humidity. Because then the moisture would evaporate more slowly and the roots could gradually absorb the nutrients well.
- If the reason for thisincorrect amounts of fertilizerthe solution is quite clear: adjust the amounts to the amount of water you use. It might also be worth reducing the amount of fertilizer, as the manufacturer's specifications are often unnecessarily high. The right frequency is also important! Never fertilize twice in a row (or even more than once), but always leave at least one dip without fertilizer and only water in between. In this way, excess salts can be rinsed away from time to time.
- Again, that shouldTap waterbe the cause, since it contains a lot of lime, you have two options: either you dilute it with distilled water or you use rainwater instead.
Can you get rid of the stains?
Unfortunately not. If the orchid has brown roots, they will stay. All you can do isnew spotsprevent it through the measures mentioned above. If you want to cut the roots of your orchid, we advise against it. Despite the spots, they are still intact and this would only cause unnecessary stress to the plant.
Also interesting:Lots of aerial roots, no flowers? This is how orchids bloom again!
