In case anyone is interested (mini phal potting experiment)

[Discus]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

The spongy velamin is not a photosynthesizing material.

No, the spongy velamen is not a photosynthesizing tissue, but the layer under that can do (and seems to in many vandaceous plants). I recently removed the decorative pot from a phal, and the roots were white; as it's in a clear pot under that, the roots have been slowly going green (and not from algae, it's in the wrong place and not nearly damp enough in there). Whilst a histological preparation of the root would prove it, my eyes, and the fact that there are plenty of leafless orchids that photosynthesize through their roots alone, suggests otherwise. I'm not about to hack off a root and then hunt down an appropriate microtome and microscope.

There may well be times when algae coats orchid roots, but in my case, it's not on my phals! (Having fishtanks and being an aquatic biologist, algae and I are well acquainted).

The more interesting question (one for someone with access to radiolabelled carbon dioxide perhaps, and a nifty setup that separates the leaves from the roots and gives the leaves "normal" CO2) is how much of a contribution root photosynthesis makes to a plant with quite big leaves.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

I may get an argument going here but roots get green not because of photosynthesizing but because of algae and moss. The spongy velamin is not a photosynthesizing material.

That is interesting, I have read that it is. I wouldn't argue with you because I don't know nearly enough to say anything one way or another on the topic, lol.

---------- Post added at 10:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:59 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Discus

No, the spongy velamen is not a photosynthesizing tissue, but the layer under that can do (and seems to in many vandaceous plants). I recently removed the decorative pot from a phal, and the roots were white; as it's in a clear pot under that, the roots have been slowly going green (and not from algae, it's in the wrong place and not nearly damp enough in there). Whilst a histological preparation of the root would prove it, my eyes, and the fact that there are plenty of leafless orchids that photosynthesize through their roots alone, suggests otherwise. I'm not about to hack off a root and then hunt down an appropriate microtome and microscope.

There may well be times when algae coats orchid roots, but in my case, it's not on my phals! (Having fishtanks and being an aquatic biologist, algae and I are well acquainted).

The more interesting question (one for someone with access to radiolabelled carbon dioxide perhaps, and a nifty setup that separates the leaves from the roots and gives the leaves "normal" CO2) is how much of a contribution root photosynthesis makes to a plant with quite big leaves.

I didn't see this post on my phone (silly thing doesn't show all posts =()..just now on my computer. That is interesting!

[WhiteRabbit]

If you can't find an appropriate sized pot, using the smallest you can, you can put styro, marbles, rocks/pebbles at the bottom to "shorten" the pot, and styro in the center of roots to take up space - which also helps media to dry more evenly, and makes a nice air pocket for the roots

[james mickelso]

The velamin goes all the way to the roots and I know it isn't a photosynthesizing tissue. Yes there are other root tissues which do on other orchids but most....no. But then again I am not a biologist. Never seen any info on it but nothing ion AOS mags ever espoused it.

[MattWoelfsen]

If you watch a movie and see a brand product that is known as product placement! I too am always seeking ways to re-purpose plastic. A month ago I bought a flask that had over 30 Phalaenopsis seedlings, I do not have any kind of greenhouse or basement to grow my orchids. At the time when I deflasked these Phals I was unprepared. But I came up with this solution. Earlier in the day, we had a Subway catered lunch. Our sandwiches came in this tray with a clear lid. I had brought home the leftovers and was getting ready to recycle.



The seedlings are doing well!



The clear dome is not air tight, there is a good exchange of air. In the morning there is condensation, which clears up during the day. The planting media is damp and this environment gives the seedlings enough moisture. I'll keep these guys in this subway nursery for another month. Eventually, I'll move the larger ones into community pots.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

If you watch a movie and see a brand product that is known as product placement! I too am always seeking ways to re-purpose plastic. A month ago I bought a flask that had over 30 Phalaenopsis seedlings, I do not have any kind of greenhouse or basement to grow my orchids. At the time when I deflasked these Phals I was unprepared. But I came up with this solution. Earlier in the day, we had a Subway catered lunch. Our sandwiches came in this tray with a clear lid. I had brought home the leftovers and was getting ready to recycle.

Attachment 84601

The seedlings are doing well!

Attachment 84602

The clear dome is not air tight, there is a good exchange of air. In the morning there is condensation, which clears up during the day. The planting media is damp and this environment gives the seedlings enough moisture. I'll keep these guys in this subway nursery for another month. Eventually, I'll move the larger ones into community pots.

Clever!!

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by butterfly_muse

Clever!!

Just like your "freebie"--no money involved! Gotta find ways to save on such an expensive hobby.