Does Root Type Indicate Water Needs

[jwpotter]

As I have been working with my orchids and learning more about them, it seems to me that the root type seems to correlate to the water needs. Thought I would ask some of you who are much more experienced if I am correct.

It seems like some such as the Maxilleria, Paphiopedilums, and Bublophyllium all have rather wiry roots with little velum on them. They seem to need watering often.

Others such as phalaenopsis with much thicker and fleshy roots with thick velum need less water.

Is this a correct general rule?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Not necessarily.
Tolumnia and Restrepia, for example, both have thin wiry roots. Tolumnia likes to dry quickly after watering, while Restrepia prefers to stay moist.

[Optimist]

I think if it a generality, then yes, it is true. Thin leaves also mean they like less sun, and thick fleshy leaves mean they want more sun, but there are exceptions like the common Phal.

I think that you really need to look them up and regard all aspects. For instance warm growing Masdevalias, and cool growing ones look exactly alike.

What I have found to help myself, as an "accurate" indicatior is : where do they come from and what is the monsoon season, how near or far from the equator. Inland, or on the coast. High, or low (mountain to coast) and then high or low, does the plant usually live on the bottom, the middle, or the top of a tree.