Hello, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Epiphytic orchid roots don’t grow into the host plant, but they have fascinating adaptions to life in the clouds. They contain chlorophyll and boost the plants’ production of sugars. They also have a remarkable adaption to absorb and hold water when it rains. Their aerial roots have a living green tip with an area of dead cells called velamen. When it rains, these dead cells expand and fill up with water. The orchid can use this stored water to keep the entire plant hydrated. If you grow orchids at home apparently you can see this velamen area change color when you water them and then fade back to gray as the water is used up. Our friend Christopher Burtt collects orchids; some of them aren’t even planted in what passes for orchid soil.
Life in the clouds

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