Roots Dyed Green

[Luckyelfie]

I don't know if this is a thing but I am suspicious. I have a phal I bought in a clear pot with beautiful green roots. I thought it was strange that they never turned silver, but I just watered when the media was dry. I was holding off on a repot due the beautiful spikes. Today my suspicion took over and I repotted her. All the roots on the outside (inside along the sides) of the pot were dead, but bright green. The ones in the center of the spaghnum were ok and a normal green color.

So to cut to the chase...has anyone heard of growers dyeing roots green?

[MrHappyRotter]

No, but I have heard of algae growing on roots and potting mix when plants are potted in clear plastic. Perhaps that's what you're seeing? Photos would definitely help, though I realize it may be too late now that you've already repotted.

[gingersmommy]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

No, but I have heard of algae growing on roots and potting mix when plants are potted in clear plastic. Perhaps that's what you're seeing? Photos would definitely help, though I realize it may be too late now that you've already repotted.

Yes! I bought two grocery store orchids recently and the entire top of the medium, including whatever root were showing, were died green. I repotted also and as I pulled away the spagh., I could see that the top was died. The roots below the medium were not affected and were the normal color. I don't think it hurts the plant, it just looks better when people purchase them. Not knowing orchids, they may think the roots are unsightly and mean the plant is dying.

[Luckyelfie]

Originally Posted by gingersmommy

Yes! I bought two grocery store orchids recently and the entire top of the medium, including whatever root were showing, were died green. I repotted also and as I pulled away the spagh., I could see that the top was died. The roots below the medium were not affected and were the normal color. I don't think it hurts the plant, it just looks better when people purchase them. Not knowing orchids, they may think the roots are unsightly and mean the plant is dying.

I think that is what it was. I wish I had taken pictures. Very sneaky. Well lesson learned.

[Cym Ladye]

I do not believe these roots were dyed. Roots exposed to air are often green while those in the potting medium will be white.

[gingersmommy]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

I do not believe these roots were dyed. Roots exposed to air are often green while those in the potting medium will be white.

You'd have to see them. The tops of the two orchids I got at the grocery store were sprayed with a dye. The whole top was sprayed, including the spah. When I repotted both, the roots underneath were green and gorgeous, but a normal, spring green. The dyed color is more like a dark green. I'm sure they do it because they think it makes the plant look better to the average consumer.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Read MrHappyRotter's post. You are seeing algae. Dark green algae. This is ___NOT___ dye. The fact that you are only seeing it on the top of the medium or outside of the root mass, exposed to light, is a dead giveaway.

True for Luckyelfie and gingersmommy.

[dounoharm]

more likely a fertilizer or chemical residue....

[Luckyelfie]

I can only speak from my experience with my phal, it definitely was not algae. I've dealt with algae before and this was much different. I wish I could remember where I got that orchid, so I could go look to see if other ones are the same. If I remember and they are the same, I'm going to buy one to take pictures.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Luckyelfie

I can only speak from my experience with my phal, it definitely was not algae. I've dealt with algae before and this was much different. I wish I could remember where I got that orchid, so I could go look to see if other ones are the same. If I remember and they are the same, I'm going to buy one to take pictures.

Photos would be great. Based on 36 years of growing orchids, this still sounds exactly like algae, but sure, post a pic, can't hurt to have more information.