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The fleshy aerial roots of Phalaenopsis orchids are most afraid of waterlogging and pathogen infections. Air-drying the roots can make the pruned wounds dry and scab quickly, reducing the risk of black rot. At the same time, it can regulate the humidity of the roots to meet the maintenance needs in different seasons.

I. Air-drying the Roots after Pruning
Operation Method:
1. Root Pruning: Use disinfected scissors to cut off brown, soft and rotten roots as well as empty roots, and keep the healthy white roots.
2. Drying: Spread out the roots and place them in a cool and well-ventilated place. Air-dry them for 2 to 4 hours until the wounds dry and shrink, and they don't feel sticky when touched.
3. Potting: Use a mixed substrate of sphagnum moss and bark. Place the roots in the pot in a radial pattern to avoid squeezing the wounds.

II. Air-drying the Roots for Hydroponics
Operation Method:
1. Soaking the Roots for Hydration: Soak the roots in clean water for 12 to 24 hours, with the water level submerging two-thirds of the roots, allowing the shriveled roots to absorb enough water.
2. Hanging and Drying in the Air: After taking them out, hang them by the window with a rope and air-dry them in a well-ventilated place for 5 to 7 days. The roots should be completely exposed and not in contact with any wet objects.
3. Re-hydroponics: After air-drying, put them back into the hydroponic bottle. The water level should only submerge one-third of the roots, and change the water once a week.

III. Water Control and Air-drying the Roots
Operation Method:
1. Watering in Small Amounts: Use a long-spouted watering can to water along the edge of the pot until the roots at the bottom come into contact with 1 cm of water.
2. Natural Absorption: Let it stand for half a day to allow the roots to absorb water by themselves, and the excess water will flow out from the bottom holes.
3. Air-drying and Water Control: Place the flower pot on an elevated stand and air-dry it for 5 to 7 days until the substrate is completely dry.

Precautions:
1. Root Integrity:
When pruning rotten roots, keep the white healthy roots. Excessive pruning will cause the plant to topple over.
After pruning the rotten roots, you can apply carbendazim powder to the wounds, and then proceed with the operation after air-drying.
2. Environmental Requirements:
Direct sunlight is prohibited during the air-drying of the roots! High temperature will dry out the roots, leading to dehydration and death.
When the humidity is > 80%, turn on a fan or air conditioner to dehumidify. For example, during the plum rain season, ventilation must be enhanced.
3. Timing Taboos:
Don't air-dry the roots during the flowering period! It is likely to cause the flower buds to drop.
Don't air-dry the roots of the Phalaenopsis orchid you just bought immediately. First, let it acclimatize in the original pot for 1 week to adapt to the environment.

In short, by mastering these three methods of air-drying the roots, the roots of Phalaenopsis orchids will never rot again.