Curious Cattleya Roots

[tucker85]

Aerial roots are physically different from roots growing in the medium. They have more velamen which is the white coating on the root. The velamen helps the orchid absorb moisture from the air. I have noticed that some nutrients and suppliments make the roots even whiter. I started using liquid seaweed on my plants and they developed very shiney almost flouresant white roots. Be careful with that sphagnum moss. It retains a lot of moisture and Catts like to dry out. Good luck.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Cattleya roots are white with green or reddish brown growing tips depending on the species or the background of hybrids. They do turn green with watering but it takes a good bit of watering to do it. They first get a variegated look.

Each new Cattleya growth should be larger than the previous one....if not you are doing something wrong.

And, no, roots are roots. There is no difference between those in the pot and those that are "aerial". They may look different due to coloring but they are not. That's an internet myth passed down as fact.

[CTB]

[QUOTE=tucker85;361066]Aerial roots are physically different from roots growing in the medium. They have more velamen which is the white coating on the root. The velamen helps the orchid absorb moisture from the air. QUOTE]

I agree Tuck, they adapt themselves quite differently. This book is a good addition to anyone's library. Thanks for the video, I watch the repot me video and hadn't thought of you tube.