Aerial roots changing direction

[maui jen]

Just for curiosity's sake: A few months ago I started to see an aerial root on two different plants take an abrupt 90 degree turn and make a right angle. Does anyone know why? Are they looking for light or water or just having fun?

Both plants have lots of aerials but just one root on each plant decided to go in another direction.

[tarev]

They just like to do that a lot. Usually trying to get the moisture in the air wherever it seems to find it.

[maui jen]

Thanks! I recently moved to a different part of Maui that is a bit drier and windier so I figured it might have something to do with that too.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Could also be light. Phal roots can photosynthesize. That's why they're green.

[WaterWitchin]

Maybe a nearby orchid asked for directions and it's pointing the way?

[RosieC]

I find the ones that are growing will grow away from the light. If the light direction changed while it was still growing that could account for it.

[Ray]

I recall another grower's speculation a while back was that the roots will tend to move away from the light, as that way, it would be growing in the direction of the host tree, which is, of course, what it's trying to find, so it can anchor the plant better.