Can someone post close-ups of wet and dry paph roots

[stylingpat]

So I know what I'm looking for when I'm watching my roots. I'm new to growing paphs. The roots dont seem to change night and day like a phals roots

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't think they do change ... not that I can see anyway, but I only have two in clear pots.

Unlike Phals (epiphytes), Paphs are semi-terrestrial and also don't usually want media to dry out.

I use a skewer to determine when to water.

[jeremyinsf]

If you mean "will they turn green" when you water them, like phals, they will not. Paph's like to be kept moist but not soggy. The skewer method Sonya mentioned, or learning to understand the weight of your pot and plant when it's wet and dry, will help you to understand when to water.

With paph's you can't just tell by looking at them.

[stylingpat]

Hmm the skewer method doesnt necessarily work in lava rock

[NYCorchidman]

When just watered, the roots will look wet. As simple as that. When dry, you can see it dry. and if those fine hairs are intact, then they will be light golden brown when dry.

It is best to keep them moist at all times, although occasional slight drought is better than sopping wet all the time as the roots do die and rot under such conditions.

The best thing is to go by pot weight. Lift the pot after good watering and darining. I soak actually.
Then lift the pot again in about four or five days. You should be able to notice the difference in weight right away.
Usually once a week, a lot more often when the weather gets hot and dry, or when there is an extensive root system with multiple growths on top.

[Paphluvr]

You're trying to compare apples and oranges. Paph's are terrestrial and Phal's are epiphytes. Phal. roots have an outer layer that can absorb atmospheric moisture. When this happens, or when you water them, the chlorophyll in the roots causes them to turn green. The roots of Paphs, being terrestrial, have no use for chlorophyll in the roots thus do not turn color when they are watered. If you're concerned about knowing when to water them, try growing in transparent pots. That way you can see moisture on the pot walls.

[stylingpat]

Thats what I'm doing. I got mine in a clear pot now. Also will paphs produce a red pigment in its leaves if its getting too much light?

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by stylingpat

Thats what I'm doing. I got mine in a clear pot now. Also will paphs produce a red pigment in its leaves if its getting too much light?

Yes. And/or bleaching.

[Paphluvr]

Originally Posted by stylingpat

Thats what I'm doing. I got mine in a clear pot now. Also will paphs produce a red pigment in its leaves if its getting too much light?

Many Paphs have red pigment on the underside of the leaves normally whether or not they're receiving too much light. If they're getting too much light the leaves will begin to bleach out or, in the worst case scenario, develop a case of leaf burn.