Against the "Status Quo"

[silken]

I tend to agree with that way of thinking as well. If I soak the roots first with plain water, the velamen has already absorbed water and may not absorb much more when the feed water is added. That leaves the fertilizer sitting in the media and not being used.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by silken

I tend to agree with that way of thinking as well. If I soak the roots first with plain water, the velamen has already absorbed water and may not absorb much more when the feed water is added. That leaves the fertilizer sitting in the media and not being used.

me too. I have never double-watered. Either my orchids get fertiliser water or plain water, never both. I do however make sure water runs through the pot and out the bottom, whatever the mix, as that ensures good airflow. I know that is not applicable to vandas with their aerial roots, but just sayin'