Phalaenopsis has magenta roots/what is it?

[shighsmith]

While repotting, I discovered a couple Phalaenopsis have magenta roots, generally a part of the root, not all. Is it a bacteria? Fungus? Mardi Gras attitude? Seriously, don't know what to think. Help!

[Royal]

That is pretty odd looking. If the roots are nice and healthy looking, I'd bet it's just naturally occurring pigments that are being expressed in an unusual way. Photo number 1 shows that the foliage has some anthocyanin pigments so I don't think it's cause for alarm if the roots do too. On the other hand, it could be related to some sort of nutrient deficiency but that is unlikely.

[trdyl]

This is a first for me too.

Welcome to OB!

[johnblagg]

just out of curiosity what color is the fertilizer you use.......

My catts roots have turned a little blue color from the fert I use just a touch her and there nothing like yours

[camille1585]

I was thinking the same as Royal. If it has pink blooms, it might be normal for it to have some pink roots as well. I can't think of any other reason for the roots to be red!

I do know of a disease called 'pink root', but it's a soil borne disease (caused by a species of Phoma) and mainly affects onions, leeks, garlic and a handful of other crops. I don't think it's something that affects potted plants.

[jkofferdahl]

I've got a dim memory, somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, of seeing roots like this before, and learning that it was a sign of overwatering. Remembering that I'm old and senile, though, take that thought with, possibly, a grain of pink fertilizer.

[RosieC]

I've had one with a faint tint of purple in the roots but nothing like this. No idea what could be causing it I'm afraid.

[shighsmith]

Well then, being a Pollyanna type, I'll just pot them up and see how they do! Thanks for all the replies.I'm honored to be a part of OB, and a little abashed none of you more experienced folk had seen magenta roots before! Oh, the fertilizer is a bland green blend, for orchids when using tap water.

[Lagoon]

The only time I've seen this kinda colouring on the roots was from sticks holding up the spikes. I guess it was the dye comming from the funky sticks.

Gotta love this hobby!

[Paul]

How intriguing! Perhaps one of its forebearers had a liason with a beet.