We have roots!

The replated orchids are starting to make roots. In this first photo, you can see a root sticking up in the air. The leaves are somewhat coated with some of the replate "jelly". I may not have gotten the pH quite right, because the replate medium was much softer than the original mother medium. Or, it may be that the mother medium is deliberately firmer to make it easy to remove the protocorms when the time comes. And I guess you would want the replate medium to be softer so that the roots can penetrate. Regardless, the plants look healthy and happy.



In the next photo, you can see two roots coming off level with the medium. Since the flasks are pretty much at 100% humidity inside, there is no need for the roots to dig deep in search of moisture. Still, I expect that the roots will turn down as they lengthen. This medium has activated charcoal to absorb waste products of the orchid metabolism. So, it will be hard to see the roots as they go deeper, at least until they reach the bottom of the flask. :-)



In the final photo, you can see a root with white velamen covering the part of the root closest to the plant. The growing tip of the root is green. The velamen acts as a sponge to absorb water so that it can be consumed by the plant.