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Thread: Does dead velamen necessarily mean dead roots?

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  1. #1
    Real Name
    Victoria
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    Default Does dead velamen necessarily mean dead roots?

    Something I've wondered for a long time: velamen is technically a separate structure from the roots inside of it. Can the velamen die off, but the roots still be viable?

  2. #2
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    Connie
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    I say as long as the middle string type thing is intact the root can grow new tips. I have vandas with root I thought was dead and recently upon checking I found tons of new roots growing off what I had thought was dead root. I've also had rot strip off the top and had a bottom of the root stay nice and green and healthy. I don't cut as fast anymore...I have a recent pic that shows a plant with what looks like dead roots growing nice new healthy roots.

    Name:  roots.jpg
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    A few vanda I received recently had bad roots, but a good soaking and now they all have new growth like this.

  3. #3
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    jason
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    Agree with Connie here...roots that seem dead are often still very much alive! Unless its obviously rotten, leave it be.
    Posted via Mobile Device

  4. #4
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    Jeff Tucker
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    I agree also. Roots that I thought were dead will suddenly start growing new root tips below the brown, dead section. Of course there are also some dead roots that never come back.

  5. #5
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    Bruce Brown
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    Oh sure. Thanks for the photo proof, Connie!! I just repped you!

    cheers,
    BD

  6. #6
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    Amey Bhide
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    Velamen is actually a dead tissue, just like our hair.

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