Superthrive…….Yes or no?

[WaterWitchin]

Moving to semi-hydro would solve the issue of not knowing how much or when to water. Takes the guess-work out of the equation. After that, you need to figure out if your growing environment will mesh with SH. You can always share that information, and ask more questions.

I don't think lighting is particularly an issue. That is a Phal, right? Hard for me to tell from the picture, but it really doesn't look in terrible shape at all to me.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Everyone will have different experiences with their growing practices and different levels of success. What works for one won't work for others. I personally water each plant heavily with anywhere between half to a gallon of water per plant and in between heavy waterings I try to mist the top layers of media so nothing really ever dries out and growth is there to show. However, I've also seen growers that water their plants in loose sphagnum moss with half a shot glass of water once a week and they still grow beautiful plants and flowers.

I currently only use Sphagnum Moss for Catasetinae, Carnivorous Plants, some succulents, and two Phalaenopsis. For every case except the CP I pack it very tightly.

The point is, your environment will dictate what works for you, from watering technique to potting media. I would also keep in mind that environments change throughout the year.

Just, for the love of god, please don't place an ice cube on an orchid under any circumstance.

---------- Post added at 02:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ray

Thanks for the good word, but I’m sure there are several here that have gotten sick of hearing me express my enthusiasm for Kelpak!

Don't count your chickens.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by MateoinLosAngeles

I personally water each plant heavily with anywhere between half to a gallon of water per plant and in between heavy waterings I try to mist the top layers of media so nothing really ever dries out and growth is there to show.

Wow, your water bill must be phenomenal! There's definitely a limit as to how far you can scale this up as your collection gets larger.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Wow, your water bill must be phenomenal! There's definitely a limit as to how far you can scale this up as your collection gets larger.

That's true, my water is billed based on sq footage so it's a flat bill every month. However, living in SoCal I've been thinking about starting to keep my watering in check for environmental reasons. I've just been too lenient. My calculation is based on using about 14 gallons of water to water 30 plants.

I use a 2 gallon watering can and honestly when I water I completely zone out sometimes (it's very meditative) and then realize I've spent a minute running water through a plant...

In fairness, the plants love it.

[Roberta]

Actually, took a look at my last water bill and did a few calculations...with my plants being outside where they dry out faster, so I water more frequently, your water consumption isn't THAT much higher than mine proportionally since I have a lot more plants. And my water bill is pretty stiff. But the orchids are worth every penny....