What does it mean if a cattleyas roots stay white during/after watering?

[SakuraDrops]

Hello all,

What do the color changes of cattleya roots during watering mean? More specifically..
1. If the roots stay white during watering, does that mean it has gotten too dry? Or is this normal? (Or does this depend if the root is new or old?)
2. Is the roots turning green the most desirable outcome?
3. What does it mean if the roots turn tan or brown during watering?

Thank you.

[estación seca]

New Cattleya roots often remain white with watering. This is normal. As they age they will absorb water readily. Older living roots are light tan or brown when dry, and darker when wet. I never cut off orchid roots because I can't tell whether they are alive or dead unless they are dark brown or black and slimy.

Note that other new orchid roots, also white when new, can be seen to get wet and change color to a darker shade. This includes Vandas, Neofinetias, Phals. and Oncidium relatives.

Slipper orchids have different roots. They are chestnut to dark brown and fuzzy. They don't change color much when wet.

[Leafmite]

If your orchid's roots do not turn green, try soaking them until they do and then watering more often. Just a note...some orchids do not have roots that turn green (i.e. Paphs).

Most of my orchids are mounted or use lava rock as a medium so having the visible roots turn green is a good way for me to tell if the roots are getting enough water. If you are growing in a medium that decomposes, you might need to be careful.

[SakuraDrops]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

If your orchid's roots do not turn green, try soaking them until they do and then watering more often. Just a note...some orchids do not have roots that turn green (i.e. Paphs).

Most of my orchids are mounted or use lava rock as a medium so having the visible roots turn green is a good way for me to tell if the roots are getting enough water. If you are growing in a medium that decomposes, you might need to be careful.

Very interesting..Thank you! (: