lava rock and my orchids

[MrsSky]

Some shriveling is fine and sometimes orchids sulk after repotting.
If she just repotted it, the shriveling would be from the other mix? Or maybe I'm ;not understanding the timeline.
Mix isn't an exact science, I'm always trying something new anyway. Evergreen Dendros in tree fern pots with lava rock was my latest (several weeks ago) experiment. Nothing has died and I'm seeing new growth cane nubbins.

[kindrag23]

Okay got them I would say 3 weeks ago, there was already shriveling. This is from a seller I have recently had issue with in sending me sub par plants. I had to trash one due to infection showing up that loomed like somethin osvo? Lesions dark circles with yellow in the middle BRIGHT YELLOW streak down the middle no where near sun to burn.

I have been trying to water almost every 2 days flush or soak 15-30 min. My oncidium in the picture thay had the severely shriveled phulb was b4 me and I have not beem able to unshrivel it.

The oncid in the pictures roots have almost turned to mush from OVER WATERING.

Winter is also coming and I need something that wont stay wet to long in order to prevent root rot. Also wanted something to hold them down better.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

As I do understand it now, potting mix/medium is pretty much just to hold the plant in the spot and provide conditions plant and it's roots like. Mrs.Sky is right, you can experiment with anything and everything, and see what works for you, just make sure that the medium you use at least "fits" to what the plant need - do not use water holding mediums for the orchids that has to dry out fast and completely between waterings, and do not use medium that is dry within ours for orchids that needs to stay constantly moist. Other than that, you can experiment, medium really does not bring anything extra to the orchid, except water and stabilizing, you provide the rest with fertilizing and care. If you did receive this plant in this condition, it is very sad, would I see this plant for purchase somewhere, I would not buy it for sure! Also do remember, constant changes are not good for the plants also, so try to decide on one medium and potting, do it, and than give it care and time to see how it works, but do not switch every week to different one:-)

---------- Post added at 05:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:47 PM ----------

I had issues with over water for Oncidiums before, that's why I switched to big tree fern chunks and baskets, and it works magic for me.

[kindrag23]

This is the first time since trying it out. This way I can continue to water everyday in greenhouse and plants stay woist and happy. I am also happy because I dont have to move things around constantly for the ones who need daily water vs those who do not

---------- Post added at 04:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:51 PM ----------

Tree fern chunks not readily available here. Thats why trying get creative. :-)

[TOMMYMIAMI]

It may work really well, keep us posted:-)

[MrsSky]

I have not seen tree fern chunks...now I want to try those

[TOMMYMIAMI]

MrsSky, I buy them from my orchid needs supplier, that's pretty much only place I know that has them around. They are not cheap but they do work great for my plants!

[kindrag23]

@TommyMiami I will and I will keep my fingers crossed here is a better view of my shrively oncidium. I juat cut the spike off of it today. So it can push it back to make some fresher phulbs.

Also this is my oncid from larry's orchids. It is slightly shriveled due to me not being in my home for 3 days but its slight shriveling should pump up.

Oh and have found 3 growths on my catasetum that is asleep.

[kindrag23]

The. Last shot is of my oncid twinkles that I have not caused to wrinkle even temp.

Oh also forgot to add that another big reason switching ro rock mix is tbat the barl in orchid mix is molding due to my high humidity I am trying to keep in my greenhouse. Even w vents half open all over.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

These look perfect! and yes, the one that carries the spike always shrivels more, spike is sucking lot of water and energy, but it will go back to normal! Good luck with all of them! and congrat on your catasetum growths! I guess after I posted pics you went and check, right??:-)))))