Re: [Aroid-l] Epiphytic philodendron culture

Calvin, I doubt clasping roots getting nutrients have much to do with growth to mature stage in Aroids.  Obviously they do have a role in nutrition, and I always pour fertilizer water down the totem.  But there's another phenomenon at play here.

I agree with Brian in that the Aroid must remain rooted to the totem.  I read decades ago, probably in Aroideana, that there's a particular chemical/enzyme produced in the roots when Aroids have actually rooted to wood and are in climbing mode.  The chemical is not present when it's running across the ground.  Apparently this chemical triggers the physical journey to mature stage growth, assuming other necessary factors are present, such as proper light, temps, etc.  My own theory is that the chemical/enzyme is produced only in the roots of the growing tip, which is why they start to revert to juvenile stage as soon as they are separated from the surface of the totem, or a tree. 

Russ
central Fla

Isla Verde wrote:
Thanks for all your comments!. Brian mentioned about the plant having to have established rooting on the totem as an assurance that it won't go back to juvenile leaves before lopping it off. This is interesting! Could it be due to the Hiemiphytic nature of some of these philodendrons? (that says something about the clasping/feeding roots getting some nutrients from the attached points at the totem surfaces?)
 
Calvin

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