Upside down Roots

[Anton]

Is this normal for cyms ?

I was checking my cyms after getting home from work and found these unusual upgrowing roots, don't know why I've missed them before.

Looks like mangrove roots.

Anyone else experienced roots growing upwards like this ?

I have never seen it before.

[pikevi]

Hello Anton,

I do have two of my Phal. showing up turned roots. The other Brassidium also shows the same characteristic with new roots but it had upturned roots when I bought it ,as well. A photo is attached. I hope it helps.

If you find a particular reason or deficiency please please let me know.

Thanks.

pikevi

[Aniko]

This naughty way of growing I think is the natural "instinct" of orchids, inherited from wild ancestors. In order to find support, the new roots try to grasp something (a branch for ex.) and grow in every directions.
Aniko.

[Anton]

PIKEVI I don't think it is anything lacking, they are well fed with all their vitamins and minerals just like any growing child should be.

Aniko, you may have a point, but in the wild, cyms are ground dwellers and don't need to latch onto support............... I think.

[Aniko]

Yes, I missed that you are talking about a cym ...But, anyway, the roots are not only for support, they are catching water where they find it: from air as well as from bark or ground...
(This is just my speculation but might be true )
Aniko.

[pikevi]

Anton,

I did not imply that your orchid has some sort of a deficiency!!. I was thinking of my plants where you could see some roots are almost 90* to the horizontal.

Aniko's suggestion seems right since they seek steady anchoring.

May be prolonged indoor 'breeding' under controlled conditions has made them behave like any other house plant, in most cases.

I wonder if only some newer breeds/hybrids show that kind of behaviour of developing roots that go in all directions.

[snowballsarebad]

Maybe they are trying to grow towards the light as the rest of the plant does. They do have chlorophyl, bits of it, right? So since they are not completely covered, the light attracts them, and they grow in such a way. That's my guess.

[Anton]

All my cyms are outside, under shade cloth, so, getting plenty of light and have been, for around 3 years PIKEVI...... BOOM, THERE GOES ANOTHER THEORY.

Snowballsarebad, they WERE covered, UNTIL, the reared their little heads.

My theory is : BECAUSE THEY CAN.

[pikevi]

Hmmmmm.. alas!

My two-cents worth of a theory of 'genetic code impression' goes out the window!!!....LOL

[Aniko]

What do you say about this bushy one which theory applies???:

[Anton]

Because it can ?

[mayres]

OKAY - here is one of my phals with roots trying to outgrow the spike - also straight UP!

[Anton]

As a once famous science professor once said, "Why is it so ?"

When I was working in the States I picked up a phrase which I think describes this phenomenom perfectly.... Quote : "What it is!" end quote.