I felt like we were taking Tom's other Cyp post a little off topic so I'll start a new one for this. Here are the Cypripedium formosanum roots I got last week. The ruler is in inches. The one on the lower left has green shoots. Does that mean it's broken dormancy? It was like that when it arrived.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a114/ShadyCharacter/formosanumroots.jpg

Hey Shady,

I wouldn't worry yet, but do get them into a fridge soon! Seedlings can often have green growth buds, so I don't think the color is necessarily a problem. There is a problem if they continue to elongate, and during their winter rest you need to check them every few weeks (as Ron suggested) to see that they are not. If you see them elongating (sorry that's the best word, but in other words growing) then you must take them out and pot them up pronto or you'll lose them. This species is known for breaking dormancy early, only after three months in some cases, so watch them like a hawk! Also, unlike its relatives it doesn't need as much cold to get adequate dormancy. 5C(41F) to 10C(50F) is enough. But watch temps above 50F in February because this can cause the plants to initiate growth. Once they start, you can't stop or slow them down even since that will kill them. Good luck.

Tom

Best of luck, Mark!