Green invader or Lives here?

[wishonafish]

Hello.
I have a compact cattleya orchid that I picked up at a show a little while back and over the time that I've had it I've noticed some definite new root growth (making themselves a lovely home out the bottom of the pot) and leaf growth. I also saw it finish off it's blooms. However, this next part is new.

I have noticed these green things growing out of the topside roots [right now there are two that are near each other (see pictures)]. One simply curled over and looks like some topside root might, but there is one that looks like a weed, but, I am soooo new at taking care of these things I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. So, it this a home invader or does it live here? If I touch and move the green 'thing' it has a firm stem and 'leaves' like firm lettuce. It looks a bit like fake plants do on the opposite side and springs right back into place with moved.

(Pic one: shows root of this 'thing.' Pic Two: show backside of the leaf.)





Thank you, in advance, for any help you can give me!

[Tmai]

Very odd! Looks like some type of fern or similar. Is it growing out of the root itself or out of the pot?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

My guess it is a fern that has sprouted from the bark mix. You can pull it out or let it grow. I used to let them grow, but they do take over so I recommend pulling it out.

cheers,
BD

[wishonafish]

Thanks guys! It is growing straight from one of the roots, or it grew through a root, so do I cut the root, or just up to the root?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Can you take a close up photo. I've never seen one grow from the root or through the root.

cheers,
BD

[Halloamey]

It is fern leaf that could have squeezed it way between two roots, there is no chance of it being a part of a cattleya orchid.

[Cjcorner]

Ferns tend to come along with the potting materials at times. If you like the fern, wait until you repot and give it a separate pot to grow in, or pull it out. I have a few ferns growing in their own pots now...I think they are pretty.

[Dazed]

I think these type of ferns are clingy, if you can get it loose with a skewer there shouldn't be any serious damage to either plant if you want to keep it in a separate pot.
This is what it will eventually look like