Encyclia...potting Media??

[TeresaE]

Soooooooo, I just got this new, bare root Encyclia for $10!! Enc. cordigerua x Enc. Nursery Rhyme. Need to plant it in something now. I think they need to be on the damp side so I was wondering about a mixture of coconut fiber, perlite & sphagnum in a plastic pot? Suggestions?

[Lagoon]

Bonjour T!

I have an Alata in sphag and perlite potted in clay doin' real well .

[Ray]

Your plant is registered as Encyclia Reese Grazaffi, and it definitely will prefer LOTS of air at the roots.

I grow most of my encyclias in straight LECA or mounted, so they dry rapidly, but I water frequently.

[TeresaE]

Originally Posted by Ray

Your plant is registered as Encyclia Reese Grazaffi, and it definitely will prefer LOTS of air at the roots.

I grow most of my encyclias in straight LECA or mounted, so they dry rapidly, but I water frequently.

So my question is....what is LECA?

[TeresaE]

This plant is also quite large...I don't think I could mount it on anything that would hold it!! LOL

[orchidexpress]

I plant my encyclias in a pro mix (sunshine mix) with added stryrene. I helps to plant to dry out yet keep it on the same watering cycles as all the other orchids in my greenhouses. This mix does not break down. I have a 20 year old Encylia purpulata and it's still in the same pot since 10 years ago. Guess I need to post a picture of it.

[TeresaE]

Originally Posted by orchidexpress

I plant my encyclias in a pro mix (sunshine mix) with added stryrene. I helps to plant to dry out yet keep it on the same watering cycles as all the other orchids in my greenhouses. This mix does not break down. I have a 20 year old Encylia purpulata and it's still in the same pot since 10 years ago. Guess I need to post a picture of it.

20 year old plant?????!!!! Excuse my English, but Holy Crap!!

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Ray

I grow most of my encyclias in straight LECA or mounted, so they dry rapidly, but I water frequently.

Ray,
When you say you grow your encyclias in straight LECA, do you mean the s/h method or just in LECA and water as you would with a non s/h method? Does that make sense?

Too those who grow encyclias, what are the roots supposed to look like? I received a encyclia radiata seedling division and wasn't sure what they should look like.

Thanks!

[cupcake]

I got a TINY encyclia seedling today. It's in damp sphag, but it really is tiny , so what do you recommend? Judi

[TeresaE]

Originally Posted by cupcake

I got a TINY encyclia seedling today. It's in damp sphag, but it really is tiny , so what do you recommend? Judi

I think mounting it with that Sphag. is a good idea.