Surface Potato Roots Do Seem To Absorb Water

These wilting leaves on the potted potato plant indicate it is short of water. Good. I took the opportunity to test if the surface roots, described recently, will in fact take in water.

So, lightly sprayed surface with clean water . . . Nothing at first, even after 8 hours . . . But once water got down a quarter inch (6mm) or so, the plant did start to recover. I don't think much water got further down than this, but cannot be absolutely certain. Of course, I have no control. But it still gives some indication of the value of the surface roots in gathering rain showers.

Am letting plant reach wilting point again, then covering surface roots with damp garden soil to see what happens.