Sticking an aquarium air pump inside my pot

[Dollythehun]

Eager2learn, keep it simple first. This hobby is supposed to be fun.

[Optimist]

I love innovation and experimentation. Plants use CO2, not "air." Air is a mixture of many kinds of gasses. Maybe you can look into a CO2 "engine." Farmers of Cannabis, and owners of aquarium "planted tanks" use CO2 engines to get better more vigorous plants. I believe the simplest DYI CO2 engine has a bottle with water, yeast and sugar in it, and some hose method for getting the gasses discharged by the yeast, who eat the sugar into the base of the plant. You run the risk of the bottle blowing up, and also the place smelling like bread dough-- but those are the breaks.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Optimist

I love innovation and experimentation. Plants use CO2, not "air." Air is a mixture of many kinds of gasses. Maybe you can look into a CO2 "engine." Farmers of Cannabis, and owners of aquarium "planted tanks" use CO2 engines to get better more vigorous plants. I believe the simplest DYI CO2 engine has a bottle with water, yeast and sugar in it, and some hose method for getting the gasses discharged by the yeast, who eat the sugar into the base of the plant. You run the risk of the bottle blowing up, and also the place smelling like bread dough-- but those are the breaks.

That's all true, but I think the benefits of CO2 supplementation will only be apparently in the case of more experienced growers who give ideal cultural conditions. Adding CO2 will not do much if there is not enough light or good fertilization. In the case of a beginner I think it's far more productive to first master the basics of orchid growing and keep things simple with tried and proven cultural techniques.

I think "air" in this case though meant to increase the air circulation and O2 available to the roots to prevent root rot and such, rather than to provide a CO2 boost for growth.

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by camille1585

That's all true, but I think the benefits of CO2 supplementation will only be apparently in the case of more experienced growers who give ideal cultural conditions. Adding CO2 will not do much if there is not enough light or good fertilization. In the case of a beginner I think it's far more productive to first master the basics of orchid growing and keep things simple with tried and proven cultural techniques.

I think "air" in this case though meant to increase the air circulation and O2 available to the roots to prevent root rot and such, rather than to provide a CO2 boost for growth.

Oh for sure! Everything you say is true. You do have to get all the basics down first-- however if someone wants to sacrifice a plant to prove a point, well, it's a free world, etc. Hopefully, it is not a " Florida ghost orchid." When I first tried semi-hydroponic, I thought for sure I would kill all my plants. I did kill a few. That was experimental to me. Too much water, not enough holes, sometimes this is like flying an airplane. But yeah! Get a fan! Drill holes in those pots!

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Optimist

Oh for sure! Everything you say is true. You do have to get all the basics down first-- however if someone wants to sacrifice a plant to prove a point, well, it's a free world, etc. Hopefully, it is not a " Florida ghost orchid." When I first tried semi-hydroponic, I thought for sure I would kill all my plants. I did kill a few. That was experimental to me. Too much water, not enough holes, sometimes this is like flying an airplane. But yeah! Get a fan! Drill holes in those pots!

Optimist, you and my engineering husband should talk! However, this newbie is anxious about the basics and for them every answer breeds new worries.

[Leafmite]

For good air to the roots, I use basket pots and red lava rock. It provides a nice open arrangement that allows plenty of air circulation to the roots to prevent the roots from rotting.

One of our OS members grows all her orchids in full hydroponics and she does use air pumps/tubing to add air to the water to keep the roots healthy.

[greenpassion]

When you read 'good air to the roots" this means that you want the roots to be able to have access to air, not necessarily air blowing around them. I do use small fans around my phals to increase air circulation for the plants themselves. I use clear plastic pots, and add additional holes and slits to increase the access. From one who's been there, and still am sometimes, you're over thinking it. These plants in nature live on trees, holding onto the bark, and the roots get air and water from mist or rain. Listen to what these guys are telling you, and try to remember, as Carol said, this is supposed to be enjoyable!

[Dollythehun]

Thanks GP, the checks in the mail.😀

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

If this is for your Phal. It's not necessary.

Originally Posted by camille1585

I agree with this. A pot with sufficient drainage holes and even ventiliation slits, combined with a coarser media will provide all the air flow that the roots need.

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Eager2learn, keep it simple first. This hobby is supposed to be fun.

eager2learn: In your other thread where you were asking for advice about your Phalaenopsis, you made the comment that, "It's all so complicated." It's really not, but it can be a little frustrating and challenging at times. Once you have learned the proper care and culture for your particular orchid(s), though, it should not be complicated. Putting what you have learned into practice will, however, test your patience. Most changes do not happen quickly. Waiting for a bloom or rebloom can take a long time.

As Dolly said above, this is supposed to be enjoyable! And as Camille said, a pot with a good number of drainage holes and/or slots, and coarse media will provide adequate air flow for the roots. Some of us use a small fan occasionally, depending on our individual conditions, but I am going to say definitely no on the air pump.

If you need some suggestions on where to buy appropriate orchid pots and/or appropriate potting media, please ask. We'll be happy to provide you links.

[eager2learn]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

eager2learn: In your other thread where you were asking for advice about your Phalaenopsis, you made the comment that, "It's all so complicated." It's really not, but it can be a little frustrating and challenging at times. Once you have learned the proper care and culture for your particular orchid(s), though, it should not be complicated. Putting what you have learned into practice will, however, test your patience. Most changes do not happen quickly. Waiting for a bloom or rebloom can take a long time.

As Dolly said above, this is supposed to be enjoyable! And as Camille said, a pot with a good number of drainage holes and/or slots, and coarse media will provide adequate air flow for the roots. Some of us use a small fan occasionally, depending on our individual conditions, but I am going to say definitely no on the air pump.

If you need some suggestions on where to buy appropriate orchid pots and/or appropriate potting media, please ask. We'll be happy to provide you links.

yeah i need appropriate pots. i have regular flower pots with a single drainage hole. can u provide the links, sil vous plait