• lennybird@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    Was wondering, do Orchids do this, too? They have “air roots” and basically subsist off zero substrate.

    According to this article

    Like other epiphyte orchids, the roots of Phalaenopsis roots are covered with a spongy epidural tissue called “velamen.” Just a few cells thick, velamen helps orchid roots absorb water and nitrogen from the air.

    It’s probably my favorite plant. Hardy as hell despite a bad reputation for being picky. People don’t realize they just go dormant until Spring.