---
title: "What do these spikes (?) on the roots and base of my orchid mean?…"
description: "What do these spikes (?) on the roots and base of my orchid mean? It's not in bloom right now and hasn't been for about 2 months by now"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/EggbRNCwSq6LzK2ACvRigw"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Jay [he/they]"
published: "2024-02-20T00:30:10.401695Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CJARmI3fkhr3qTWhU2uURyXIyRwNYowW0y8GZ6_raHU/hBOc0ZQVTQSoah76Sj4XMA.webp?size=large"
---

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# What do these spikes (?) on the roots and base of my orchid mean?…

_Posted by Jay \[he/they\] on 2024-02-20_

What do these spikes (?) on the roots and base of my orchid mean? It's not in bloom right now and hasn't been for about 2 months by now

![Attachment 1 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CJARmI3fkhr3qTWhU2uURyXIyRwNYowW0y8GZ6_raHU/hBOc0ZQVTQSoah76Sj4XMA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CJARmI3fkhr3qTWhU2uURyXIyRwNYowW0y8GZ6_raHU/lIwCp2-tRgq5GSDdOAftAA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 3](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/CJARmI3fkhr3qTWhU2uURyXIyRwNYowW0y8GZ6_raHU/sGf3x7n3Rl-c9PQBykJF5Q.webp?size=large)

## 4 comments

### Jen commented on 2024-02-20

Those are new root tips growing. Sometimes they come from the base of the orchid, sometimes they branch from existing roots. If you haven’t repotted this plant before, now would be a good time, just be very gentle with the new root tips as they can be very tender and snap easily. There’s lots of good advice in this group about how to best repot, so when you’re ready, don’t hesitate to ask for advice. 🌱

#### Jay \[he/they\] replied on 2024-02-20

oohhh okay!! how much bigger should the pot be? Like another inch in diameter? It's currently 5 inches in diameter-

#### Jen replied on 2024-02-20

Orchids don’t always need a bigger size when it’s time to repot. It’s really important to trim away any dead old roots- those that are completely dried and papery or completely mushy in texture. You only want the firm plump ones. When you’ve done that, you might find that the roots you have left fit fine in the same size pot you have. If you need to go up a size, yes, an inch more would be fine. But while we are on the subject, I highly recommend getting an orchid pot with ventilation holes to help maintain good drainage and aeration that orchid roots need. I just posted this pic on another orchid oasis post…

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/yzTKthJiLOlCUPKH-vsQ5NzOhcFfTrb-kTRTwJ_ViN0/9kQo75k-TtafHU3RNc98WQ.webp?size=large)

#### Jen replied on 2024-02-20

You can get them on Amazon too, or just add ventilation holes or slits to your current pots.

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