Some updated photos of the GH/SH

[Vanda lover]

How do you manage to keep the LECA from getting covered with algae? I grew in S/H for quite a while, but when we moved across the country I had to un pot them and haven't got more Leca yet. The algae was the main problem, the balls running away if the pot tipped was another. But I would grow this way again.

Nancy

[Junebug]

Nice setup! You've done a great job with the mounts. They're beautiful.

[shadytrake]

Thanks Y'all!

Ray, I admit there are a few in the photos that need taller pots but that's all I had on hand at the time. Re-potting is an ongoing project during the spring and summer.

Vanda Lover, I'm not concerned with the algae as I haven't seen any adverse effects on the plants or the blooms.

June Bug, hubby gets credit for the majority of the mounts. He collects driftwood from the banks of the MS river and brings it home. Nice to have something free occasionally.

[Ray]

1) Algae is really only an aesthetic concern, unless it grows so thick on the top surface of the medium that it clogs all air flow. In 15+ years of S/H growing, I have only seen that on a half-dozen pots.

2) If you don't like it, a periodic drench with a solution of Physan (1 tsp/gal), or liquid chlorine bleach (1/2 oz/gal) will keep it at bay.

I have used a product called Zero-Tol in the past. It is a stabilized, concentrated hydrogen peroxide product that is far more friendly to plants than the others. It is stabilized with perchloroacetic acid, so smells like vinegar.

Up until now, it was only available in large containers, and being an oxidizer, was a hazardous material for shipping. They now have it in ready-to-use, hose-end sprayers (I'll be getting some today), and ready-to-spray bottles (still seeking a wholesale source) that are shippable, so I'll be adding to my product line soon.

[Vanda lover]

Isn't bleech a little hard on the plants? I have food grade hydogen peroxid, which actually seems to benefit the orchids if I use it now and then.