Laelia purpurata root splitting at active root tip!

[tuandatn]

Here's a first for me (but probably not all that uncommon). I know roots can branch, but I've normally seen them branch off the side of an established root. Just took a peak at a root tip and it's slowly splitting into two, right at the active tip! A true fork in the road. Thought it was a curiosity to share

[Ray]

That is rare, it not unheard of. Thanks for sharing.

The root tip is undifferentiated cells, so only the slightest “blip” in the cell division and differentiation might lead to that. The phlorotannins in Kelpak can influence that, but as you said, it is more common for the plants to branch “higher up” in the root system.

[tuandatn]

Originally Posted by Ray

The root tip is undifferentiated cells, so only the slightest “blip” in the cell division and differentiation might lead to that. The phlorotannins in Kelpak can influence that, but as you said, it is more common for the plants to branch “higher up” in the root system.

Ray, I'm glad you responded. In fact, I did apply kelpak in the recommended dose the day prior (for the first time, no less!) On the same plant, I noticed the beginnings of a root tip on an old root that had gone dry and hard/woody, which I assumed was dead. I thought it might be coincidence since it was less than 24 hours since the first application of kelpak, but hey, you can add this to the list of anecdotes!

[Louis_W]

That's wild!