Completed my first repot in Hydroton... now how often should I repot?

[RosieC]

So I've just completed my first repotting of Phal in to Hydroton. I was really pleased how easy it was compared to bark as the pellets just flowed arround the roots.

This is NOT a S/H potting as I don't have new root growth on this guy, but I've decided to have a try using Hydroton as a medium before I give S/H a try.

Anyway, how often will I need to repot now? Will I need remove and wash the Hydroton on a regular basis and if so how often?

[Ray]

As you need not be concerned about the medium decomposing, the controlling factor will be mineral buildup, but there are SO many factors that determine that, that it's hard to give you a good answer to your question, Rosie.

How rapidly that happens is going to be affected by a number of parameters:

•Water quality
•Fertilizer formula
•Fertilizer concentration
•Watering / fertilizing frequency
•Thoroughness of flushing when watering
•The specific LECA used, specifically the absorption/release hysteresis
•Ambient humidity, as that helps control evaporation rate

[nutgirl]

Good for you, Rosie. I think you'll be pleased with this type of medium.

I use it both in S/H and as a conventional medium.

I don't do anything until the roots outgrow the pot.
It does grow algae on the inside of the my clear pots but that doesn't seem to affect my plants.

On the other hand, if I do need to uproot something it is easy to do.


Maureen

[RosieC]

Thanks Ray and Maurine,

How can I tell if there has been mineral build up... or is there no way to do that?

I'm currently trying this with really cheap Phals (three of them which I've had for 6 months or more but which I'm not particularly attached to) so I can experiment. I want to go to S/H eventually but while this first one had root growth it was not NEW roots but extensions to old ones so I decided not to try it just yet.

[Ray]

You'll see the most significant buildup on the top surface, as that's where most of the evaporation occurs. It will appear as sparkly crystalline "fuzz". If that happens soon, you need to flush more often. And if it gets really bad, simply dump the top layer of LECA and replace it with fresh stuff.

If you see any plant that appears to be declining, it's time to replace the whole lot by repotting, but that's not likely for at least two or three years.

[RosieC]

Thanks Ray. I will keep an eye on it and I will probably repot every couple of years as well just to make sure.

[Becky Jo]

JUst read the thread and I am intrigued with this type of potting? How do you repot? Do you use it like regular potting mix for orchids? Sorry for the silly question just sorta new at all these new things? Becky Jo

[CTB]

Repot same as usual, just use hydroton instead of bark, there is a fine grade and a medium grade. I like the medium grade seems to allow more air flow around roots.
You probably will need to water more often, as it retains moisture but not wet. I'm in 95 temps and I water 2 sometimes 3 times a week, for my outdoor orchids. Once for indoor orchids, but it's a real good watering.
Try it on a few, mine seem to love it.

[Becky Jo]

Thanks I think I will. Becky Jo

[Ray]

Do not use fine grade, even for little seedlings.

The smaller the particle size (and less-uniform), the smaller the spaces between them will be, so the roots can actually clog the holes and suffocate themselves.

I use the fine grade of PrimeAgra for terrestrial pants with fine, hair-like roots only.