Paphiopedilum roots

[Arizona Jeanie]

Hello all, I've potted, grown and re-bloomed several Phalaenopsis so I know what their roots should look like. Well, I'm trying my luck with one little Paphiopedilum and since the flowers finished I repotted it today. Oh-oh, the roots are all brown! The leaves look OK, and there is a new little plant starting behind the bloomed one, but those brown roots just don't look right. So please someone, is this a normal appearance, or am I going to have to stick with Phals only from now on?? They're not mushy or black, not dried up, just all brown. Thanks for any info!

[Bohata]

Are they mushy or firm? If firm, they are probably Ok. Especially if they are somewhat fuzzy and have pale or white tips, which indicates active growth. A picture might help.

[Arizona Jeanie]

They're not mushy but look a little dry, and don't look like they're active.
Sorry about not having pictures, but I'm living in the dark ages without a lot of technology.

[soobie]

Paph roots are supposed to be brown and are usually sort of furry.

[Bohata]

They are probably OK. A bit of Superthrive or another root stimulant might wake them up a bit. Just remember the growing medium shouldn't dry out completely between waterings.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Thank you so much, they are definitely brown and fuzzy but look a little dry. I think I'll just up the watering a little, and I do add kelpmax monthly. I've had more experience with the fat green phal roots, these looked so different. Thanks for the reassurance.

[estación seca]

Healthy Paph roots are the same brown as dead Phal and Cattleya roots. But they're firm, and often have white root hairs sticking out here and there.

Dead Paph roots are generally black and squishy.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Thank you Estacion, that's exactly what I needed to hear, you have a nice way of phrasing things. I think we're healthy then, so far so good with my first and only paph.

[lsdmasdev]

I get confused on forums, but here goes..
I have a maudaie(spelling?) Paphiopedilum and it has very healthy roots, white tips etc. But, I don't see any fuzzy hairs on any of the roots, I was wondering if anyone can tell me 'why'? They are firm, brown, etc.
Thank you ahead of time for any explanations..

[Roberta]

All Paph roots aren't fuzzy. They vary depending on the type of environment the species, or parent species, live in.