Grow the orchid roots

[sddivey]

A very wise forum member has consistently said GROW THE ROOTS. I am wondering if we could post some "good roots" pictures of Cattleyas, Vandas, Dendrobiums, Phals, etc.... and "bad roots" pictures... and also "are these roots ok" pictures with comments- this could be a great learning thread for us all!!!

[MissValanor]

I think that's a great idea! So here, I'm adding some roots of Zygopetalum, and incredibly strong will to grow roots of tiny leafless Cattleya

---------- Post Merged at 12:16 PM ----------

I think that's a great idea! So here, I'm adding some roots of Zygopetalum, and incredibly strong will to grow roots of tiny leafless Laelia

---------- Post Merged at 12:20 PM ----------

LAELIA! I mean LAELIA!!!

[78Terp]

A phal (at work)

Good roots, freshly watered


More good roots on same phal, but a couple that look questionable (yellow and deflated). When it gets a repot, those are likely removed.

[78Terp]

Here are some good roots on a trichocentrum (an oncidium alliance mule ear orchid). It looks like the oldest leaf is on it way out. Leaving one mature leaf with one fairly along in becoming mature and I discovered another 2 new leaves starting. Note a root coming from the bottom, right corner from another orchid close by. It also is healthy.


I'll take more photos as I can. I don't have much in the way of bad roots as examples.

[ladyd]

I love the idea. I'll post pics when I am home.

[sddivey]

So once the roots lose the green ends....are they still good roots?


What about this guy...no new roots in a while...

and this guy in S/H

[78Terp]

Good roots on 3 different Gastrochilus'.

[sddivey]

I assume if you can't see new roots but there is new growth- this is good...

[78Terp]

Dede-
I am not sure. But they certainly are not actively growing. Roots like those, I always water. Once they get dried out, dehydrated and brittle, then they are dead.

---------- Post Merged at 07:18 AM ----------

Roots should sprout from the bottom of that new growth. Have patience!

[sddivey]

Three good root growths on Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Epicatttleya




for the plant to be good health are seeing the roots with the green tips the magic potion? But those roots eventually lose the green ends...for the purpose of this thread...can someone give a "good root timeline"? are they like new leaves, grow, get mature and then die off?