Phalaenopsis amboinensis roots

[jpyerry]

So today I decided to repot my Phalaenopsis amboinensis. During the repot, I inspected the roots, and I found that a large number of them were very thin and brown. Under normal circumstances, this indicates a dead root, or so I thought. I took my scissors and cut off one or two, and found that though they were thin and brown, they still had green firm tissue inside, albeit a small amount.

I stopped cutting the roots since I felt they were still alive, and proceeded with the repot.

Is this a common finding with Phalaenopsis amboinensis? Is this what happens as Phal. amboinensis roots age? And, if it is, are there any other species that do this as well?

Justin

[Dendian]

I have a question.

When you tug gently on the roots does the outside come off leaving a thin root in the center? Is that the root that you were finding still alive?

As far as I know - the roots on the ambionensis is the same as other Phals. All the roots on my ambionensis are white/green with green growing tips. I may have some browish roots in the bark media, but they are the same thickness as the green/white roots.

[jpyerry]

Originally Posted by Dendian

I have a question.

When you tug gently on the roots does the outside come off leaving a thin root in the center? Is that the root that you were finding still alive?

As far as I know - the roots on the ambionensis is the same as other Phals. All the roots on my ambionensis are white/green with green growing tips. I may have some browish roots in the bark media, but they are the same thickness as the green/white roots.

No, when I tug on the roots, the 'skin' does not slough off like most roots that are dead that I have encountered do. It is tough to describe, but most of the older roots are thin and brown (almost like an aerial root that has dessicated) then many of the roots have plump green newer growths at the ends. Obviously I didn't cut any of these, but the ones that I did trim had green centers.

It is really confusing, I haven't seen anything like this before. Maybe I should unpot it and take some pictures of it?

Justin

[Emma Grey]

Generally, I don't cut a root off unless it's mushy, no matter the color. I figure that any firm roots still help the plant.

I don't know why the plants roots would be thin and brown, though.

[Dendian]

If they have green growths on the end - leave them. They sound good. I have had some roots turn brown when in contact with old decaying media - I guess the tannins stained the roots.

[1joyceh]

How does the phal look otherwise Justin? the leaves look good?

[E-Jag]

Color isn't really a good indicator of root health, because often times roots are stained brown by bark/tannins but are actually quite healthy. Feel is a better indicator - if it's mushy, not firm, it's likely dead.

[tangers40]

also, i have a couple phal seedlings (one species and one primary hybrid) that have roots that are flat. they're not nice and round like roots on my other plants. it's very strange....they come out of the plant, brand new, and they're flat and sorta greyish colored. but that's apparently how they are. i'm not sure about amboinensis, perhaps it has this kind of root also?

[jayfar]

Originally Posted by tangers40

also, i have a couple phal seedlings (one species and one primary hybrid) that have roots that are flat. they're not nice and round like roots on my other plants. it's very strange....they come out of the plant, brand new, and they're flat and sorta greyish colored. but that's apparently how they are. i'm not sure about amboinensis, perhaps it has this kind of root also?

Schilleriana was the flat silvery roots, but, no, amboinensis does not.

[tangers40]

Originally Posted by jayfar

Schilleriana was the flat silvery roots, but, no, amboinensis does not.

my stuartiana also has them. the hybrid that does is philippinensis x schilleriana, so that makes sense.