[aroid-l] Foraging Ecology of Monsteras and Philos?

Some aroids like Monsteras and Philodendrons can
quickly cross inimical areas (e.g. very low light) by
forming long-stemmed, tiny-leaved very fast growing
shoots that "scan" the environment for a better
location, and only unfurl very large leaves when in
favorable locations.

(1) What is the growth rate of such shoots? 

(2) is the aroid capable of elongating such shoots
indefinitely, or do they stop its growth after a
certain distance (much like anchor roots stop after
not encountering any support)? 

(3) Which species (monstera/philodendron) seem to be
able to grow fastest in general?

(4) Some philos and monsteras "lose" their older stem
portions (through various reasons, inc disease),
although they may retain very long feeder roots that
still connect the growing stem to the ground. Does
anyone have any measurements (or at least
guesstimates) on the RATE of lose of stem for any
aroid?

Lots of questions, but thanks for any ideas (and yes,
i'll be reading tom ray's papares on this)





		
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