Converting to Hydro
 

I am toying with the idea of converting to either semi-hydro or using a self watering system for some of my high demand phal's. From what I've learned, LECA and self-watering irrigation systems are the two basics.
Does anyone currently use either of these? Do they really decrease the amount of time spent watering? I am currently watering almost every day. I used to be able to water all of my orchids, at once, two or three times a week.
However, I've grown my collection and now its getting a bit out of hand. Any recommendations ??
Thanks

I grow almost all my Phals in S/H. It works great. It does allow longer watering intervals. But I have a warm, humid sunroom. S/H has more evaporative cooling so warm growers might not do as well with it during cool periods.

Ray would be the one to answer this best. Timing of the transition is critical with some orchids. A flush of new roots showing would be a good time.

What growing system are you using now? Mounted? Because I'm otherwise not familiar with any Phal I've ever grown, species or hybrid, that needs watered more than once a week.

And yes, I do SH with just about everything.

Afhing to consider:
With Leca you will always have some degree of evaporative rooting. In cooler climates this can be problematic, especially for Phals which really don't like cold roots in the winter.

Daily watering sounds like a lot, especially for potted plants. I'm watering mine every 3 to 7 days, depending on the season. One solution is to adjust your potting mix to your conditions, and either use a smaller grade bark, or mix in some more moisture retentive elements, such as sphagnum. I've read of people with large and varied collections using this tactic (adapting the mix) so that they can water everything more or less at the same frequency, whether a moisture loving plant or a plant which needs to fully dry out.

I've heard that when using hydroponics with a lot of different plants you run the risk of spreading viruses. Only if using common water source, like a resoviour. Does this apply to orchid on orchid contamination or orchid on any other plant contamination?

Orchid viruses can be spread in water. S/H typically involves individual containers and not reusing water.

Ok, so orchid to orchid contamination. Now extrapolate. Does this ring true to orchids of the same species, same origin location? Or just different types of orchid

I don't understand what you're asking.

Ummmm. Should I be worrying about my orchid giving something to my tomatoes if grown in same nft setup?

Should I worry about one phal giving it to another phal of the same type in same nft system?

Should I work e about my phal giving something to my vanda, same nft system?

Watering every day does sound rather awful. I only grow one Phal, the bellina, and I have it in tightly packed New Zealand Sphagnum moss so I just have to water it once every six days (along with all my other plants). The basket pot makes certain that plenty of air gets to the roots even when the moss is sopping wet. I change the moss every ten to twelve months (I buy AAAA long-fiber, good quality moss). I hold it under the faucet until the basket of moss gets really heavy and the roots I can see are green.

Andrew, individual types of plants have different sensitivities to pathogens, but generally speaking, if it’s present in the shared bath, pretty much anything can get it.

What “getting it” means may vary.

Ok, that clarifys things. What pathogens should I be watching out for?

Bacteria, fungi, & viruses!

Fungi and bacteria are uncommon in healthy orchids growing in good temperatures, light and humidity. However, they become more likely when temperatures and humidity are high, and air circulation is poor. Viruses can spread at any time. Most viruses seem not to cause noticeable symptoms in most infected plants. Some viruses can infect unrelated plants. Some are limited to one or a few kinds of plants.