Fuzzy root on lady slipper

[sperpich]

I have a lady slipper and it has a fuzzy root. Just wondering what's going on.
Thanks

[Afid]

That is perfectly normal, Phrags and Paphs have hairy roots for some reason, probably to collect more moisture.

[DrDawn]

Originally Posted by sperpich

it has a fuzzy root.
Thanks

All my Paphs have fuzzy roots! I think it is quite common?

[Orchidtinkerer]

chysis have fuzzy roots too.

I find the fuzziness means they can absorb more water but like a wet dog the roots don't like to be soaking wet - they can't shake off the wet like a dog can and the "hairs" get stuck together and rot easier..

Just my observation on chysis, it might be completely different for paphs -I've never grown any, for chysis I am suspecting they are designed to be able to absorb dew from air well but don't do well staying too wet for long.

[sperpich]

Thanks everyone.

[Roberta]

That is a beautiful root! Clearly, a happy Paph.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by sperpich

I have a lady slipper and it has a fuzzy root. Just wondering what's going on.
Thanks

It's not surprising for growers (that have seen roots of other plants or other orchids have plain white or green coloured roots with no relatively long root hairs) to assume something 'might' be wrong when they see slipper orchid roots for the first time. Such as assuming the roots are having a problem (eg. fungus) due to the appearance.

[Ray]

Paphs tend to live in the leaf litter on a forest floor. I have heard/read some speculation that the hairs may also function to provide some air space, preventing root suffocation.

[Paphluvr]

Looks like it's due for a watering?