Regrowing Orchid Roots: A Step-by-Step Guide for Vanda Orchids

When your Vanda orchid loses its roots, it may feel like the plant is beyond saving. But with the right care and techniques, you can regrow orchid roots and bring your plant back to life. In this article, we will walk you through a simple, effective process to give your rootless orchid a chance to thrive again. Whether you’re an experienced orchid grower or just starting out, this guide will show you how to create the perfect environment for root growth.

Why Orchids Lose Roots and How to Handle It

Orchids can lose their roots due to improper care, such as overwatering, underwatering, or unsuitable growing conditions. When the roots die off, the plant can no longer absorb moisture or nutrients, causing the leaves to shrivel and the orchid to decline. While this may seem like the end for your orchid, it is often possible to reverse the damage by regrowing new roots.
Root loss can also happen during propagation. In the case of Vanda orchids, trimming dead or damaged roots is often necessary. This can leave the plant with no viable roots, but it is still possible to help the orchid regrow healthy ones.

Preparing Your Orchid for Root Regrowth

The first step in rescuing a rootless orchid is to prepare the plant for its new growing environment. Start by sterilizing your tools with isopropyl alcohol to prevent any infections. Trim any dead or rotten roots from the plant. If there are fresh cuts on the plant, sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon on the cut areas. Cinnamon acts as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, helping to protect the orchid from infections.
Once the orchid is prepped, you need to give the cut areas time to heal. Ideally, wait about six hours before proceeding to the next step. However, for demonstration purposes, we can move on immediately.

Setting Up the Perfect Environment for Root Growth

To regrow roots, your orchid needs a high-humidity environment. Orchids thrive in humidity, which encourages root formation while preventing the plant from drying out. However, the orchid should not sit in wet conditions, as this could lead to rot.
Find a small pot that will hold the orchid without submerging it in water. Smooth river rocks are a great choice for the base of the pot, as they allow moisture to gather without the orchid sitting directly in water. Place the orchid in the pot so that it’s stable but not touching any media.
If the plant seems unsteady, you can use a clip to secure it in place. Make sure it is well-supported and will not move around, as stability is key during the root regrowth process.

Creating a Humid Environment Using a Bag

The next step is to create a controlled, humid environment for your orchid. Take a large plastic bag that has enough room for both the pot and the orchid. The goal is to keep the plant in high humidity without letting it touch wet media. Before sealing the bag, you can place moist sphagnum moss around the outside of the pot (not inside with the plant). This moss will maintain humidity without making the orchid too wet.
Place the orchid inside the bag and seal it with a clip at the top. Make sure there is no standing water inside the bag. The plant should be in a humid, but not wet, environment. You can lightly spray the sphagnum moss to keep it moist, but be careful not to overdo it. The key is to maintain moisture in the air without drenching the plant.

Monitoring Your Orchid’s Progress

Now that your orchid is set up in its humid environment, it’s time to wait and monitor its progress. Keep the bagged orchid in a bright, warm place, but out of direct sunlight. The warmth will encourage the plant to regrow its roots, while the humidity keeps the plant from drying out.
It can take anywhere from six to eight weeks for new roots to start forming. Check the plant regularly to ensure that there is no mold or excessive moisture. Roots will begin to emerge from the nodes along the plant, and as they grow, they will start to search for something to anchor into.

Patience and Care: Key to Regrowing Roots

Rescuing an orchid with no roots requires patience and careful attention. While it might be tempting to rush the process, it’s important to allow the plant to grow at its own pace. Keep checking the orchid for any signs of mold or rot, and adjust the humidity if necessary.
Once the roots start to grow and reach a couple of inches in length, you can begin transitioning the orchid into a proper growing medium. At this point, it’s safe to introduce a small amount of orchid bark or LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) to provide a more stable environment for the growing roots.

Alternative Methods for Root Growth

There are several other methods that people use to encourage root growth in orchids. One popular method is the “spag and bag” technique, where moist sphagnum moss is placed directly in a bag with the orchid. However, this method can sometimes lead to mold issues, as the moss creates a very wet environment.
Another technique is the black tea method, where the plant is soaked in a diluted black tea solution to promote root growth. This method involves alternating between soaking the plant and allowing it to dry, creating a wet-dry cycle that stimulates root formation.
While these methods can work, I find that using a simple humidity bag and keeping the plant stable is the most effective approach for rootless orchids.

Conclusion: Give Your Orchid a Chance to Thrive

Regrowing roots on a Vanda orchid is a slow process, but with the right environment and care, your orchid can make a full recovery. The key to success lies in maintaining high humidity without over-wetting the plant, giving it the best chance to develop healthy, strong roots. Remember, patience is crucial, as it can take several weeks for the first roots to appear.
If you’re dealing with a rootless orchid, don’t give up hope. By following the steps outlined here, you can create the ideal conditions for your orchid to regrow its roots and thrive again. For more detailed tips and a visual guide, I found a great resource that inspired me. Check out this YouTube video for more insights on saving rootless orchids.