Orchid in massive vase with no media

[Viia]

I was browsing a flower shop and found an orchid (that looked like a phalenopsis) in a beautiful glass vase. The entire plant, roots and its flower stalk were in the vase and there was no medium or water in there. The root system was very large and shaped to the vase so it had obviously been growing like that a long time. I don't know why, but I didn't think to ask how they watered and fertilized that thing!

It looked stunning but how do you think the watering works? Spray of water every day that somehow doesn't collect in the crown? Would a spray of fertilizer be enough for the plant or do the roots like to soak in the fertilizer for a while? I'm quite interesting in doing something like that with my orchid!

[kavanaru]

Hi Viia,

that culture method is becoming relatively common (or let's say trendy) in Europe for Vandas and Phalaenopsis. However, for Phals normally some water plus additional pieces of charcoal are left in the vase. The watering system is quite easy: fill the vase to the top and let the plant there for about 30-45 minutes, then poor all the off the vase and ready. Repeat it every 2 or 3 days.

P.S.- It did not work at all for me

[Becky15349]

This culture method sounds really interesting...but possibly a little too risky for my growing style, haha...

[justatypn]

Thats pretty interesting, might just have to try this one. Could be pretty risky in my environment as well, but willing to try in the future, just not ready to select a victim as of yet.

[ladageggz]

LOL Cheryl. Yeah I can see why you wouldn't want to try that with a precious orchid. Sounds interesting but very risky.

[Viia]

Ah European trend, makes sense since I saw it here in Estonia. Plus orchids seem to be a lot more popular here than in South Africa.

You said fill the entire vase but I assume you only cover the roots and not the plant and flowers in water?

[kavanaru]

oh no, sorry, did not say that there are to different methods. One, the whole plant, including flowers are in the vase: you only fill up to the base of the plant, covering only the roots. two. most of the plant (if not all) is on the top of the base and only the roots are inside: you fill the whole vase with water

[cneos]

I'd be real concerned about drowning a phal grown like this - especially if it's being watered every 2 or 3 days.

Viia, it would be interesting to see a photo of this treatment.

[kavanaru]

Hi Cneos, the thing is that since the plant is bare rooted, they roots dry out very quick too... as I said, I could not cope with the required watering regimen for my Vanda and rhynchostilis, which were always too dry, and almost lost the Rhyncho....

[Viia]

Ok makes sense It seems like it would be really difficult to water and drain when the entire plant and flowers are in the vase. Especially when they need to be watered so often.

I wish I could take a picture but generally stores don't allow pictures to be taken. Maybe I should try to sneak one with my cell phone :P