Brassavola roots... - Orchid Board

Ghosthunt64 · #1 08-17-2013, 07:45 AM

This isn't a problem per se, but my brother and I were curious as to why these were doing this. For some reason, all the roots on my Brassavola nodosa 'Mendenhall' AM/AOS x 'Susan Fuchs' FCC/AOS were growing in the same direction. Like I said this isn't a problem, and in fact make misting them quite easy, we were just curious if anyone had an idea.

Random artsy-fartsy shot for no particular reason:

It looks like my cucullata is going to start doing the same thing, but for now, most are sticking to the mount:

So.. any thoughts?

RosieC · #2 08-17-2013, 07:53 AM

I think they are growing away from the light.

I've seen this before in keikis still on their parent and I think as they are hanging there is light below so they grow backwards.

These sorts of orchids grow on trees in nature not on the ground and their roots would try to grow towards the tree to grip and get moisture from it. That is generally the opposite direction to the light.

isurus79 · #3 08-17-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

I think they are growing away from the light.

I've seen this before in keikis still on their parent and I think as they are hanging there is light below so they grow backwards.

These sorts of orchids grow on trees in nature not on the ground and their roots would try to grow towards the tree to grip and get moisture from it. That is generally the opposite direction to the light.

Ghosthunt64 · #4 08-18-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

I think they are growing away from the light.

I've seen this before in keikis still on their parent and I think as they are hanging there is light below so they grow backwards.

These sorts of orchids grow on trees in nature not on the ground and their roots would try to grow towards the tree to grip and get moisture from it. That is generally the opposite direction to the light.

Ah, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you very much, you have appeased our curiosity.