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  [Aroid-l] Epiphytic philodendron culture
From: chammer at cfl.rr.com (Bluesea) on 2007.08.30 at 15:07:03(16186)
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

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