Is this root rot or a bacterial infection or bugs or all three?

[Dollythehun]

It measures the humidity in the room. Please read the link DrDawn sent you, it contains a wealth of information you will need

[SouthPark]

elaerna - for Houston, one possible method you can try - which is what I do for pretty much all my orchids in my tropical region ..... is conveyed in the attached image that I drew for you.

The image does show water being added in some band of your own choosing out toward the rim of the pot. The chosen band is up to the grower .... eg. could choose a band that is say one-quarter of the pot diameter. Or even one-third the pot diameter. It doesn't mean that we necessarily must add water down the sides of the pot only. Some water can certainly be added toward the middle for sure ------ but not as much.

The aim is to just not get the bulk of the roots and media overly wet or too moist for relatively long periods of time - to avoid roots not getting enough oxygen.

The other thing is ----- when roots do eventually reach those particular regions that are very wet ----- because roots do certainly grow and get longer and longer ----- those roots are expected to get 'used to' or adapt to those more watery conditions (such as at sides of pot, or down toward the middle and bottom of the pot).

If you choose a relatively shallow pot with airy media, then you could probably just water your orchid anywhere you want.

In any case --- you just have to keep the conditions in among the roots under control ----- don't allow the roots of classic-potted orchids to have their roots overly wet for relatively long periods of time - to cut down on issues like running out of oxygen (even though eventually, some roots will adapt to more watery conditions, as mentioned).

The method shown is optional. There are many methods of potting and watering.

[elaerna]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

It measures the humidity in the room. Please read the link DrDawn sent you, it contains a wealth of information you will need

The culture sheet? I did read that. In particular about watering though it feels generalized.

---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:44 PM ----------

Originally Posted by SouthPark

elaerna - for Houston, one possible method you can try - which is what I do for pretty much all my orchids in my tropical region ..... is conveyed in the attached image that I drew for you.

The image does show water being added in some band of your own choosing out toward the rim of the pot. The chosen band is up to the grower .... eg. could choose a band that is say one-quarter of the pot diameter. Or even one-third the pot diameter. It doesn't mean that we necessarily must add water down the sides of the pot only. Some water can certainly be added toward the middle for sure ------ but not as much.

The aim is to just not get the bulk of the roots and media overly wet or too moist for relatively long periods of time - to avoid roots not getting enough oxygen.

The other thing is ----- when roots do eventually reach those particular regions that are very wet ----- because roots do certainly grow and get longer and longer ----- those roots are expected to get 'used to' or adapt to those more watery conditions (such as at sides of pot, or down toward the middle and bottom of the pot).

If you choose a relatively shallow pot with airy media, then you could probably just water your orchid anywhere you want.

In any case --- you just have to keep the conditions in among the roots under control ----- don't allow the roots of classic-potted orchids to have their roots overly wet for relatively long periods of time - to cut down on issues like running out of oxygen (even though eventually, some roots will adapt to more watery conditions, as mentioned).

The method shown is optional. There are many methods of potting and watering.

Oh my goodness what a detailed picture; thank you very much! When you say band do you mean a literal barrier between the two different kinds of media? And where would I get a tray like this that is divided? Or would I make it and if so what would I make it out of?

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by elaerna

When you say band do you mean a literal barrier between the two different kinds of media? And where would I get a tray like this that is divided? Or would I make it and if so what would I make it out of?

Most welcome elaerna. Not literally a barrier. The meaning is to just add most of the water down toward the sides of the pot, rather than dump water down toward the middle of the pot, to avoid water bundling too much directly under the orchid (where the bulk of the roots will be - but there are always exceptions obviously ----- so this is just in general).

Shallow pots is probably no problem. But I mainly use deep pots here.

The egg-crate grates can often be purchased from some hardware stores. The drainage grates are just optional ----- but just happen to be very convenient and workable. If another item can be used to do the same job, then that's fine.

Even those 'separators' or spacers in the drawing are optional. If the water can just spread around the drainage grate without needing spacers, then no need for spacers. The grate just prevents the bottom of the plastic pot (where the holes are) from sitting in collected water.

Using one average sized media is ok too! Not necessary to use more than one average size. The big pieces just helps with drainage down the bottom, that's all. But not compulsory!