Pots: transparent vs opaque

[Royal]

Just my two cents:

While the roots of epiphytic orchids have the ability to photosynthesize, I'm not convinced that clear pots translate to better root growth due to increased photosynthetic activity. It's possible, but I'm a skeptic.

I understand how in nature, the roots may dangle in the open air and receive ample light. But not all of the roots receive light, and some are so crowded and shaded by ferns, broms, moss, algae, etc. that the roots exist in near darkness - like an opaque pot. I've had plants that love to put out aerial roots, and some that grow right down into the pot. Opacity of the pot has never been a factor, and I get Cats to fill both kinds of pots with roots (usually down near the bottom). Also, some propagators have described a benefit from a darkened medium and found that epihpytic orchid roots sought out an opaque medium more readily than the same medium minus the dye, stain, or charcoal. I'm not sure I buy into this anecdotal argument either, but it would seem to contradict a benefit from root light exposure.

Having said all that, I do prefer clear pots. Being able to monitor root growth, and more importantly moisture level and media, has improved my culture which, in turn, has improved my root growth. Again, I may be wrong, but I believe that we would be taking a leap by confusing the ability to photosynthesize with a preference for it.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Just my two cents:

While the roots of epiphytic orchids have the ability to photosynthesize, I'm not convinced that clear pots translate to better root growth due to increased photosynthetic activity. It's possible, but I'm a skeptic.

I understand how in nature, the roots may dangle in the open air and receive ample light. But not all of the roots receive light, and some are so crowded and shaded by ferns, broms, moss, algae, etc. that the roots exist in near darkness - like an opaque pot. I've had plants that love to put out aerial roots, and some that grow right down into the pot. Opacity of the pot has never been a factor, and I get Cats to fill both kinds of pots with roots (usually down near the bottom). Also, some propagators have described a benefit from a darkened medium and found that epihpytic orchid roots sought out an opaque medium more readily than the same medium minus the dye, stain, or charcoal. I'm not sure I buy into this anecdotal argument either, but it would seem to contradict a benefit from root light exposure.

Having said all that, I do prefer clear pots. Being able to monitor root growth, and more importantly moisture level and media, has improved my culture which, in turn, has improved my root growth. Again, I may be wrong, but I believe that we would be taking a leap by confusing the ability to photosynthesize with a preference for it.

Perhaps I should've been more specific or clearer in my statements.

I'm merely speaking in terms aesthetics, not how fast the roots grow in a clear pot due to photosynthetic activity versus in an opaque pot and non-photosynthetic activity.

They just look better. I like how they're green underneath the silvery white velamen instead of translucent white. I find the root tips to look more attractive with the range of colors they produce due to their photosynthetic behaviors.

The roots appear more vibrant to me.

Because they're easier to see, proper root maintenance is easier. Therefore increasing the chances of a healthier looking root system.

I really can't say whether the roots are growing faster because of the ability to photosynthesize. I don't have the resources nor time to conduct an experiment to detail this question out.

It would be interesting to know though.

But...

If it can photosynthesize why not allow them to? I don't see where it could hurt. It obviously helps out to some degree. To what degree, I currently have no idea (speaking in terms of quantifiable data and results here).

An epiphytical orchid's ability to have it's roots perform photosynthetic activities when it's exposed to light and have those roots that are not exposed to light perform another duty fit for it's survival is ingenious. The most expansive portion of an orchid's anatomy are not the flowers, seed pods, leaves, stems, rhizomes, or pseudobulbs, it's actually the root system. It appears to be an adaptive trait to maximize the use of whatever sunlight is available to them in the area. Particularly when many epiphytical orchids grow under the canopies of trees.

This is the stance I'm taking.

[Royal]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I really can't say whether the roots are growing faster because of the ability to photosynthesize. I don't have the resources nor time to conduct an experiment to detail this question out.

This is the only point I intended to make. I am all for good root growth, and I like clear pots. I just didn't want anyone to read this thread and assume that it is a known fact that more light to the roots = better root growth. As illustrated in the "just add ice" threads, people have all sorts of variables in their conditions that make these observations just that, observations. They may be correct, but there is still much that is not fully understood about the roots of epiphytic orchids.