Be Faithful to Your Roots

[SouthPark]

Mechanical stability is definitely a consideration. I have also read about 'hydrotropism'. Maybe it could be a feature of at least some orchids.

Also - the other consideration is that the roots - once they are growing - needs to go somewhere - and occupy space. So in a confined area, like a pot - the roots probably eventually get out to the extremities - eventually.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by SouthPark

Mechanical stability is definitely a consideration. I have also read about 'hydrotropism'. Maybe it could be a feature of at least some orchids.

Also - the other consideration is that the roots - once they are growing - needs to go somewhere - and occupy space. So in a confined area, like a pot - the roots probably eventually get out to the extremities - eventually.

In the wild, it’s definitely an “all of the above” situation. Lots of roots provides more mechanical stability, but also more water-gathering capacity as well. In captivity, with a more attentive caregiver, a smaller root system might be sufficient.

The reason I supposed the stability factor is because I observed plant putting out roots close to the base going immediately downward into the medium, while the ones becoming aerials tend to emerge higher up - sort-of how you’d attach guy wires to an antenna tower.