S/H transfer for tiny mini phals ?

[greenpassion]

I have three of the cutest little phals, in plastic pots that are maybe 2". They are in moss, with a lot of algae, Two of them are continuing to spike, one is doing nothing. My question is about putting them into S/H. Is the pellet size of prime agra too large for the roots? And should I even do this at all? One of them is just starting to put out air roots, so maybe I should wait until they all have at least a few air roots before I change them..

[Bill U.]

It depends on the size of the pellets that you get- there are a couple of different sizes. I think that if you get the smallest size or medium size, I don't think that you should have any problems. The big thing about putting anything into S/H is that you need to make sure that you have new roots coming out from the crown (not just new extensions on root tips of old roots).

As roots grow, they adjust to the environment they are growing in. Since they are accustomed to being pretty wet in moss, you shouldn't have too much of a problem with roots rotting (like many roots from bark mixes do). But of course, observing your roots through a clear pot always helps. If you wait to have air roots- those roots cannot go into the S/H medium without causing them to rot. If you have new roots going, go ahead and transfer it if you want. Another helpful hint for phals to S/H is to put a grow mat underneath to keep the root system warm and help promote root growth.

As for the spiking ones, that's your call. Some would say go ahead, others will say to wait until the spikes are done. That's really up to you- if you do make the switch, keep in mind that there is the possibility of losing the spike early...

[greenpassion]

Thanks for your reply Bill. I have been unable to find any hydroton that comes in smaller pellets. If you know where I can get some, please pass it onto me!

[Nexogen]

You can buy HydroBalls Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate from Pet store.

[Bill U.]

This is who I have gotten all of my hydroton from in the past and I have loved it so far (been using their stuff for just under a year now):

Hydroton Expanded Clay Aggregate Pebbles Pellets Rocks Growing Media Hydroponics | eBay

Just in case the link doesn't go through- it's an eBay listing by "thehydrosource". I have found their product really nice and a good size for just about any orchids. I got 2.5lbs for three 4" square pots and as extra filler for my bonsai soil mix with some left over. So I think for just 3 mini phals that are in 2" pots, you should be okay with 1/2lb or maybe 1lb to be safe? The amounts kind of vary with the amount of roots you have and if you plan on potting them up as well (or put anything else in there).

[RosieC]

I use the same size for everything, I have some tiny Dens with tiny roots in the large stuff just now and they are doing great. I wouldn't worry about the size.

You should transplant to S/H when new roots are just starting (new roots going down into the medium). You want to the roots to grow into that enviroment, not be moved to it later.

Also though, consider your temps. Phals are warm loving and S/H tends to cool the root zone (due to evaporation from the pellets). I can't grow Phals in S/H for this reason, my temps are just warm enough for Phals but only just and the root zone is cooled more than the rest of the plant in S/H and they struggle and die as a result. Cooler loving orchids I can grow well in S/H but not Phals. If your temps are well within the range the Phals like you shouldn't have that problem.

[Pilot]

Rosie makes a good point but this can be remedied too. First, a smaller hydroton substrate will keep the plant wet longer. I never bothered changing the size and have some pretty small plants in sh so the size doesn't seem to matter as roots will grow into regardless of size.

Sh does tend to cool the roots because of several reasons but the biggest issue being evaporative cooling. If you live in a dry environment you'll get this cooling action. This is what I run in to. Now, to combat this, I use heating pads and or keep the humidity up, slowing evaporation down. I prefer humidity but not everyone has that ability.

With this said, I have had great success growing phals in sh and in fact may not even grow orchids without it as it gave me great success right from the start of my orchid journey.

Currently, I'm transitioning some of Neofinetia falcata to sh. They seem to love it, which makes sense, since they enjoy cooler conditions.


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[RosieC]

Ryan is right, when I first discovered this problem (with a dead phal) I rescued the others that I had caught before they died by putting them on a heat mat.

We are quite humid relatively here and I still get the problem because I am right on the verge of being warm enough for Phals. If a bit warmer then yes humidity should help reduce evaporation enough. I wouldn't want to make it more humid in my house (greenhouse yes but that's even colder).

[Ray]

I used to offer two sizes of PrimeAgra, but found that while the fine grade was "fine" for terrestrial plants, it really did not serve any orchids well - even fine-rooted ones - and I eventually moved all of them to the coarse grade.

Even folks growing African violets, who had consumed most of the fine stuff, switched to the coarse.

[Leafmite]

You could even just use the clay pellets as a medium. That is how I use my lava rock. Phals do quite well in it. A heating mat seems to be a good idea with phals in s/h.