Flat Moss & Cattleya

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by DebsC

I find that the roots search out this moss and grow under it and I'm wondering why?

Is it for the shade, the difference maybe in PH or the moisture? The moss doesn't stay wet for very long but it doesn't appear to hurt it in any way.

What's your opinion?

Debs, pH difference is a possibility, but with low probabilities in my opinion. I think this because pH levels strongly interfere in the nutrient uptake by the roots and, apparently, little in the direction they go. Shade also wouldn't be my guess, because in that case, going down, sneaking through the lava rock (following the gravity) would most likely be the way roots would take. On the other hand, I think you are right when you rise the moisture option, even if the moss stays wetter little longer than the rock.