First time repotting, a few questions

[Grey]

Hello! I have 5 phals, 3 of which have grown significantly and are now in need of a repot because they are top-heavy - whoops! As I've not done this before I was advised to start a new topic with all my questions, so here I am.

I'm quite keen on trying the method in the video that is stickied at the top of this forum (I have a reasonable amount of hydroton (the same as LECA) that could do with using up); does that method work for all phals or only specific hybrids or species? I also wondered if there was a recommended container size/shape for repotting phals in this way or will any glass/clear vase or cube work?

I'm curious as to what disinfectants would be suitable for the process, too, as I've not had to work with them before.

Thank you ever so much for your time, be blessed!

[RandomGemini]

You might want to add to the title that you are asking about S/H.

I do not use semi-hydroponics, but I do know that phals do tend to grow well in it, but a plant's roots have to adapt to this method of growing, so you will lose all of your existing root growth while the plant grows new roots that are adapted to the medium. I think this is true for any time you change medium though, but it's something you should be aware of. If you are expecting a plant to bloom soon, its growth will slow for a while after you repot and you will see a delay in blooming.

[Grey]

Thank you RandomGemini, I've updated the topic title accordingly - I'm sorry about that.

I am a bit nervous about S/H because I'm not generally in a position to do an emergency repot if required, so I'm trying to determine if it's the best route.

I don't mind a delay in blooms, as long as the plants have time to adapt to new conditions. I'm wondering if a bark media might be better, as that is what the plants are used to. Hum.

[RandomGemini]

I use bark. If you're just starting with orchids, I would stick with it for a while.

[Grey]

Thank you again. We're actually heading to a garden centre today so I can see what bark they have in stock.

[RosieC]

I tried S/H with Phals, but for me I found that temps in the UK autumn/winter mean that the phals don't do so well in it.

S/H has higher evaporation rates, which means cooling of the clay... in warm temps that's fine, but in cool temps that's a problem.

They could do well if you keep the house heated more than I do, or if you use a seedling heat mat.

I grow Phals now in straight Hydroton. No S/H resevoir. I find if I water between 3-5days then it works really well and gives plenty of air at the roots.

[Leafmite]

I just bought some Leca to use instead of the usual red lava rock that I have been using. I don't do Semi-hydroponics but just use it as a medium. My phals seem to really like it so far.

[Grey]

Thank you both! I repotted three of the phals in bark but may try plain hydroton (not S/H method) with one of my smaller ones waiting to be repotted; smaller should be easier to do an emergency repot on if necessary.