Laelia roots growing away from the light

[fosterpapillon]

The roots of the laelia in this photo are all growing out at about 45° and away from the strongest light - any ideas why?

And also a photo taken inside at night - looks just like a Rembrandt painting!

[katrina]

I've had this happen w/some orchids and I've always assumed it was the roots way of seeking attachment. In nature, the orchid would be on a tree or something similar and the roots would reach toward the "dark" side to grab onto that tree. I've just assumed some were more sensitive to that "grabbing toward the dark" habit, than some others.

I also have some orchids that grow their roots out in all directions, including straight up in the air. Even in brand new media and a pot full of healthy roots...some orchids
just go crazy w/unruly roots.

[Dollythehun]

That second picture is just lovely. What an eye! I should know but, have probably forgotten, what is the orchid in the lower left area? Small, dark eyed flowers.

[Ray]

I agree with Katrina on the "towards the tree trunk" concept, adding that away from the light will likely be more moist.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Those are some nice roots you have there. Your orchids are beautiful.

The dark eyed and light eyed ones are Sarcochilus (I had to look up the spelling on this one) I believe there native to Australlia. Sunset Valley has allot of them.

[bil]

In normal photosynthesising tissues, there is positive photropism controlled by auxins made in the growing point.
Epiphytic orchid roots have evolved negative phototropism to maximise attachment and water collection.

[estación seca]

Are those smaller plants Sarcochilus?

[fosterpapillon]

Good pick!
S. Heidi 'Bolt Upright' (Fitzhart x hartmannii)
S. Sunray 'Palest Apricot' x Kunama 'Golden Eye'

They're small but size isn't important (as my little Papillon constantly reminds me).

[estación seca]

I know of one Sarcochilus breeder here in the US, Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids. I've shied away from Sarcs since I have warm to hot conditions in summer, and Fred describes them as intermediate growing.

You're in one of the cooler parts of Australia. How hot do your Sarcs get in summer? Do your summer nights cool down significantly?

[fosterpapillon]

All of my orchids grow on a south-facing (towards the equator) open verandah. Temperatures range from 0°C to 40°C and the sarchochilus thrive, as do high-altitude Central American laelias, cattleyas and similar.

All of these have been bred for these conditions over many generations by my supplier.