100% Aliflor?

[peeweelovesbooks]

I grow 99.99% of my orchids in 100% hydroton and regular plastic pots. All of them are doing wonderfully.

I use small grade hydroton for the seedlings as well. I use air cone pots for the big boys and my rupicolous laelias are in fine grade hydroton with regular 3 inch plastic pots. I came upon this method by accident, but I'm VERY pleased with the results. None of my orchids have root problems--in fact, I was watering them yesterday and was actually awed by how healthy the roots are. Some are so extensive they are now peeking outside the bottom of the pots.

The only exception to this are: 1) the miniatures that are in my office--they need more moisutre and the ERIN pots are tiny, so I use moss, 2) my Eulophiella elizabethae seedlings, 3) my 3 phalaenopsis and 4) my alamanea punicea. These are all in plastic pots with moss.

I live in Miami, btw, and grow my plants outside.

[bdelfiero]

Hi Peeweelovesbooks,

I'd like to ask about your watering schedule for those orchids in Hydroton if the orchids are outside the house..

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by bdelfiero

Hi Peeweelovesbooks,

I'd like to ask about your watering schedule for those orchids in Hydroton if the orchids are outside the house..

Hi. Right now during the spring it's usually like 3 times per week.


During the summer every other day and for the smaller pots every day.


I give them a hard dry right after rainy season (September-ish) where I don't water for about 1-2 weeks until the plants are bone dry.

If it's raining too much for my tastes (every day for about 1 week) I put them inside so they have a chance to dry out for a bit.

During the winter when it's cooler almost only once weekly.

[bdelfiero]

Thank you so much..i will have to try your method into my two phals and see how they will respond to the hydroton method.

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

Hi. Right now during the spring it's usually like 3 times per week.


During the summer every other day and for the smaller pots every day.


I give them a hard dry right after rainy season (September-ish) where I don't water for about 1-2 weeks until the plants are bone dry.

If it's raining too much for my tastes (every day for about 1 week) I put them inside so they have a chance to dry out for a bit.

During the winter when it's cooler almost only once weekly.

[Rosiefuture]

Thanks Jim, I might just get a bag and try it with one plant.

Marion

[Donald]

I have a dendrobium and a catt in aliflor both doing quite well compared to all the others that are in a conglomeration of different mediums. Have fun.

[Rosiefuture]

Has anyone tried a Vanda type orchid in Aliflor? I have a Vanda type (don't know what it actually is) that refuses to flower. I've had it for probably 7 or 8 years, until last year it was one stem then it grew another but nothing else. I did ask about it on here a couple of years back but I didn't really get any answers.

Marion

[Tropicgirl]

I think I'm going to try this on my Catts. I love that it is reusable and doesn't break down. Can't complain about saving $$!

[Rosiefuture]

Hi Angela, I visited Orlando a few years ago for an eBay expo. I actually won a community award and they paid for my flights and accomodation. I didn't really get to see much of Florida, other than the hotel and and all you can eat seafood restaurant! I do remember the humidity! Wow!

Marion

[lycaonpictus]

I grow all my tolumnia in 100% Prime Agra (very much like Aliflor). They like to dry out quickly and completely, though. I water then every-other-day when they're in my Wardian case, and daily when they are out in the house being enjoyed (or outside for the summer).