How important are orchid roots?

Each orchid root has a number of important functions to perform. First, the roots bind your plants together, wherever they grow.

In the case of an epiphytic orchid, once its roots are attached to the bark of the tree it grows from or even the clay surfaces of the pot it grows in, it is often almost impossible to remove it.

The second function of the root is to give the flower the water and nutritious salt it needs.

The structure of the roots of the terrestrial orchid is quite simple to imagine. The root begins mainly at the bottom of the stem. The roots are generally thin, long, fibrous and almost never branched. Sometimes, as with Paphiopedilums, the roots are densely hairy, allowing them to absorb moisture from the tiniest particles in their growing medium.

On the other hand, the roots of epiphytic orchids are quite a bit more complicated. But its roots serve a very good purpose, especially when the water supply is not constant and the amount of nutritious salt is insufficient.

The original characteristics of the epiphytic roots are that they have a silver to gray color. This color is the result of what is called a velamen, which is generally made up of one or more levels of epidermal cells. The canopy functions as a root system cover except for the short terminal tip. The canopy absorbs moisture from the ambient atmosphere. Velamina is also considered to have the ability to protect roots from extreme weather changes.

The third and surprising function of epiphytic roots is that they have the ability to carry out photosynthesis on their own. With the other types of orchids, the roots depend on the photosynthetic function of the leaves. However, there are certain genera of orchids that do not have leaves, such as Campylocentrum. In this case, its roots are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis.

Epiphytic or lithophytic orchid roots need a lot of air to function at their best. This is very important for orchid growers to understand because most orchids do not thrive because the process of absorbing nutrients by their roots is not clearly understood. Therefore, homeowners end up overwatering them and their roots begin to rot and eventually the orchid dies.

Generally, the state of health of the orchid is often reflected in the state of its roots. Therefore, if you are looking for the perfect orchid in an orchid store, you should thoroughly inspect the roots of the plant and its leaves to ensure that the orchid you are purchasing is completely healthy.