Phalaenopsis Orchid aerial roots during repotting inquiry

Question

Dear Sirs
I have gifted to me a phalaenopsis orchid, approx five years old, seriously pot bound, I think it has rotten roots and lots of aerials roots grown over the same timescale on about 3-4 inch of stem below the current green leaves.
Please can you advise if I can safely remove the lower aerial roots and treat the cuts to prevent disease as I attempt to repot?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards

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Answer 1

Unless the aerial roots are dead or have been damaged, they should not be cut away. They are one of the ways the orchid feeds itself in its natural jungle habitat. If the roots have rotted, the air roots may be doing all the work, so it's best to treat them with care. This article will explain them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/roots-coming-from-plant.htm

Here's an article about how to properly repot your orchid: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/orchids/repotting-orchid-plants.htm.