Sphag & Bag Questions

[scy]

I read some of the older posts regarding sphag and bag, and have come across many helpful tips but did not see one that addressed my particular question.

I have a dendrobium phal type cane that broke off a larger plant accidentally. I revived it once by wrapping it in diluted kln moistened paper towel inside a small ziplock. When the new cane had several roots (4" total), I took it out of the ziplock and decided to try s/h. The keiki grew 2 leaves and started a 3rd one. One day I noticed that it stalled its growth progress and the cane looked shrivelled, so I took it out to look at it and saw that the roots died. On a separate note, I lost 2 phals to root rot and my other orchids are suffering root loss. I've come to realize with the help of many OB members that s/h is not right for my conditions right now, so I have decided to use bark mix for my orchids and hope that the others will recover and not die.

My growing conditions:
- Eastern facing window in NJ
- Low humidity
- Some air movement (there is a central air vent on the ceiling above the orchids. I also added a small fan on the windowsill and set it on low for a few hours to help.
- Current temps: 90s in the day, 70s at night.
- Direct sun until 12:30 and then indirect sun for the rest of the day. I have a sheer curtain that can be used to block out some light if needed.

As for the small keiki, I have used Ray's method of sphag and bag. I have filled up a small container of PrimeAgra filled it partially with diluted kln and laid the cane across the top over a seedling mat. I just noticed some new root growth. One root is 3/8" and the other is a small root nub.

I have a seedling mat that I have been using for encouraging growth. Should I turn it off given my temps here? How do I get it acclimated to growing in bark successfully? I know the best time to transfer to s/h is when there is new growth so it can grow into the medium. Can this also be applied to growing in bark? Should I pot it up in the smallest container I have in bark mix (pre-soaked in kln dilution) and place the whole thing in a plastic bag, spritzing the medium when dry? Some OB members have suggested that the best time to transfer out of sphag and bag is when the total root growth is 4". If I wait until then, will the roots die when potted in bark, because it's drastically different? What's the best way for me to go about acclimating this to bark mix? I don't want to have another orchid die. Thank you for your help!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't know about the seedling mat question, but some of the other ones I can answer.

I'd wait until the keiki grows some roots that are at least 1 1/2" to 2" long before putting them into a pot with the bark. The amount of bark that should be placed into the pot is only a little more than the length of the longest root.

At this point, there's no need for putting it in a bag. Just let it grow in a nice warm, humid environment.

[scy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I don't know about the seedling mat question, but some of the other ones I can answer.

I'd wait until the keiki grows some roots that are at least 1 1/2" to 2" long before putting them into a pot with the bark. The amount of bark that should be placed into the pot is only a little more than the length of the longest root.

At this point, there's no need for putting it in a bag. Just let it grow in a nice warm, humid environment.

Hi Philip! Thanks so much for your help! I always appreciate your wonderful advice. Good thing you mentioned how much bark to use. I probably would have overpotted since I don't have a pot that small. I'll just put it down low. The keiki is in a tupperware container, which helps it get the high humidity. Without it, humidity is pretty low here. I do have 2 large holes so it gets air flow and mold is not an issue.

Should I still remove the container cover? I suppose the goal would be to let it get used to growing in dryer conditions until the final transition to bark. What if there's no change in root growth once I remove the lid due to low humidity?

Susan

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I think you can afford to remove the container cover.

I also don't think you need to worry about the keiki not growing any. If it doesn't grow now, it'll grow later.

Of course, always watch them to see if some adjustments need to be made.

[scy]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I think you can afford to remove the container cover.

I also don't think you need to worry about the keiki not growing any. If it doesn't grow now, it'll grow later.

Of course, always watch them to see if some adjustments need to be made.

Ok. Just removed the top and moved the keiki so it's standing upright (leaning on the side of the container) rather than laying flat, in hopes that the root will grow downwards. Thanks again!

Susan