Monthly Status Reports - January 08

[Ross]

Mine has whiter roots. I think your's might be too wet? Here's mine The second spike is directly behind the leftmost root so out of site. I tried and there was no easy way to get both in same image The roots of mine dry out totally overnight.

[shakkai]

Ross, I always wondered about the roots... they were that colour when it arrived. Mine is mounted on tree fern fibre which probably holds more water than your mount. But by 10 PM, the roots themselves are dry. Interestingly enough, the little white hairs that developed where the roots are touching the mount are still white. Though it hasn't grown any new root since I got it, just the existing roots growing at the tips. The roots are firm and plump, the side away from the mount is almost woody in feel, the side towards the mount is lighter and has those fine hairs in places - any idea of what would have caused the colour?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by shakkai

any idea of what would have caused the colour?

Maybe the water? Or your fertilizer? All of my orchids with exposed roots show white until I water them. Then they turn bright green over whole roots and then slowly turn back to white as the dry (or the plants sucks up the water in the velamin. Dunno.

[quiltergal]

My Sederia's existing roots are also tan/brown, and were when I bought it. It's growing 3 new ones that are white. Mine is potted in a slotted plastic pot so dries well between waterings.

[shakkai]

Yep, Ross. Same here - the rest are all nice and white and look 'normal' and turn bright green when they are wet. These ones also turn green-ish when they're wet...

Not sure what it was, then, that made this dark like this. But as they've not changed since I got the plant I can't isolate what the "root" cause was!

[shakkai]

That's really interesting, Terri! I'm not alone!!

I wonder if there could be something common to a nursery evironment that would cause this? Too intense light?? Maybe its a sunburn-like response - the roots have a 'tan'???

[Ross]

Originally Posted by shakkai

Yep, Ross. Same here - the rest are all nice and white and look 'normal' and turn bright green when they are wet. These ones also turn green-ish when they're wet...

Not sure what it was, then, that made this dark like this. But as they've not changed since I got the plant I can't isolate what the "root" cause was!

I really wouldn't worry. While none of my orchids do this (that I can see) it really doesn't mean anything until we compare water source, mineral content, fertilizer type and regime, etc. Also compare to grower. I have seen, on rare occasions, certain Angraegoides roots turn gron to black and shrivel like they are dead. Then all of a sudden they will spring out with green tip and start growing. I think we are a long way from understanding all the nuances.

[quiltergal]

Shakkai I think it's a potted vs mounted thing. If yours was originally potted I'm thinking the roots picked up tannins or something from the bark.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Shakkai I think it's a potted vs mounted thing. If yours was originally potted I'm thinking the roots picked up tannins or something from the bark.

Actually, that's a good point. Any of the Angraecoides I've had dark roots with in the past (not many, mind you) were originally potted in bark. Maybe that's the culprit? I still wouldn't worry, as long as the roots appear functional.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Ross

Just to add, my Sedira japonica now officially has two spikes, not one. The new one is approx 1/2" long.

Ross, what are your growing conditions for your Sedir japonica? Mine is just growing roots and that is about it. Not sure if I should move it up more towards the lights or what? It is hanging next to one of the highest shelves.

And on another note, I will try and submit my status report this weekend.