Peter O'Byrne, in orchid expert mode, opined in OGD V7#184: >That is precisely what I had in mind. The ants do indeed nest >underneath and around the plant's main roots, which must surely reduce >the amount of water the plant receives. It is interesting that so many >people report their cultivated plants flowering without forming >catch-roots; this rather suggests that the plant makes catch-roots in >response to ant nests, not vice-versa, although in Acriopsis >liliifolia the root-structure seems designed to accomodate an ant's >nest.
Or, perhaps, it is the water-at-the-roots that rules. If the ants prevent too much Water from getting to the roots, and the plant, in response to the anhydrosis, throws Up catch-roots, then this phenomenon may be seen in the greenhouses of chronic Under-waterers and the absence of catch-roots might be seen in the greenhouses of Those who provide adequate (or excessive?) water. Can we have a poll? Answer the following two questions: (if you grow any of the plants mentioned as producing catch-roots) 1. Do your plants exhibit catch root production? 2. Are you a chronic over/under/justright waterer? If the answers are sent to me I will tabulate and report – this may keep the list from being cluttered with too many “1. yes / 2. under” type messages. Thanks in advance to any who participate. Marquis Z. Hodes, MD, PhD Currently in bloom: Galeandra stangeana, Galeandra pubicentrum, Phaius tankervilliae and some orange Cattleya hybrid my kids bought (it is contagious!). _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
