Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata ‘Shutenno’ x ‘Koto’

[Hiester]

I recently acquired this plant Vanda (Neofinetia) falcata ‘Shutenno’ x ‘Koto’. I have noticed what appears to be an unusual marking on the roots. From what I am observing, there are evenly spaced white "freckles" on the green, growing roots of this plant. As this is my only Neofinetia so far (I hope to have more in the future), is this something common among Neos, or is this an identifiable characteristic of these particular plants? Does anyone else have this plant in their collection yet?

[czayta]

I think what you are describing is called the velaman. It is what the plant uses to absorb moisture and water from its surroundings.

"The velamen of an orchid is the white or gray covering of aerial roots (when dry, and usually more green when wet as a result of the appearance of underlying photosynthetic structures). It is many cell layers thick and capable of absorbing atmospheric moisture and nutrients."

https://learning.uonbi.ac.ke/courses...ytic_life.html

This is what my Vanda's roots look like after I water them. You can see the little white velamen showing.

[Hiester]

Ah... yes. Well, I already knew about the velamen, but I had never before noticed the little white freckles on any other orchid's roots. I've never had the opportunity to be around very many Vanda type orchids. Just observed from a distance, so to speak. Thanks!