Color of roots for Aerangis fastuosa?

[Paul Mc]

Hi guys, I'm trying to figure out what the color of the roots should be for this little guy. When I got him from Andy's, one leaf was turning a bit yellow and I just figured it was that leaf's time to go. The leaves seem to look fine (perhaps a bit curled on their edges - more so than other orchids I have).

However, the roots shocked me when I saw them! They are the darkest orchid roots I have ever seen! A few were goners so I trimed them, but the rest seem plump and are not mushy or hollow. They are a dark brown color. Is that natural for these?

Thanks guys!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No, that's not natural. The roots have the same colors as those of Vanda roots - silvery white velamen with green or reddish brown tips, (sometimes at the very tip of the growing section of roots they may have a little orange).

If there are very few living roots left, or no roots at all, put it in a fishbowl, aquarium/terrarium/vivarium, clear tupperware, clear salad bowl, or clear Rubbermaid type tub. Crank up the humidity, and place in an area that gets some indirect light.

If there's too much moss on the mount, it's preferred to remove most of it promptly.

[Paul Mc]

OK, well first off it is in my terrarium with 80 to 85% humidity most of the time. Once in a while it does dip to the mid to low 70 range in there.

I had mounted it thinking it needed moss as the Baker's suggested to not let it dry out. I have followed your suggestion and removed most of the moss exposing a lot of the roots.

Thanks King!

[Paul Mc]

So should I be treating it more like a Vanda then, especially since it's in a humid terrarium?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

They can tolerate drying out between waterings, if that's what you wanted to know.

These don't grow in super bright areas. Moderate indirect to bright shade is good enough.

[Paul Mc]

Thank you as always King! Yes, I was curious if it could dry out or not. My research had somewhat indicated to not let them dry out but their roots were telling me otherwise.

It's in my terrarium getting about 2000 fc's of light and is somewhat shaded from the CFL bulb.

[Paul Mc]

Update: The leaves are still a dark green, but the roots are still all brown. There does not appear to be any growth, roots or leaves. It is in my terrarium that stays between 75 and 90 percent humidity and light around 1500 footcandles. Most of the moss I had on there is gone now so most of the roots are exposed making it easier to see them.

Should I still be concerned about this? What else can I do to help this poor little 'chid out?