Using Horticultural Charcoal and Permilite in repotting
 

Hi
Im from Sydney.I bought Singaporean Dendrobiums two weekago...I repotted these using horticultural charcoal and permilite onl.Is this ok?How many times do I need to water them?I noticed the roots are turning light brown.Is thisa bad sign?Rotting....ND THERR ARE KEIKIS TOO with roots shud I get these off now?I also hang the orchids by the branches of the tree with morning sun...shaded during the hottest period and getting the late afternoon sun.The tree is located at the north side.
Thank you in advance.
Rachel

:welcomeflowers:

Photos are helpful, but you need to post three more times to post them. There are several types of Dendrobiums. Most like to have lightly moist potting mix, at least while they are growing. Some like moist mix year-round, some a bit dry in winter

I agree that pictures would help, and either a picture if the flower and/or the actual name found on a tag if you have one. Also, if you suspect a problem then it may be best to just give it morning sun and let it be shaded the rest of the time until you learn if you truly have a problem or not. Late afternoon sun can still be intense.

Photos - Singaporean Dendrobiums as per Seller (from Charity)
 

Hi

I am enclosing photos. Thank you very much in advance.

Rachel

I need your help please.

I'm not familiar with the material you used to put this with, but it seems to me that it would not retain much water. If that's truly the case then you may want to increase your watering. To my untrained eye, it looks like the roots have dried up.

Usually charcoal and perlite are used as additives in potting mixes of bark and sphagnum. You may have to water a lot more often.

Charcoal is fine to pot in..... Many people used it to pot in not to long ago.


As far as the keikis go.... Leave them for now. They'll come of fairly easy when there ready.

Thank you fod ths info ...wil try to water them more oftdn due to tge pure mediumd used...

Rachel,

If you are living in a warm, humid area, you might be able to get away with this medium if you water daily. It is certainly not one I would use as a "stand alone" media, as previously said by "Orchidboy".

Try the search key on this forum and see what comes up on dendrobium culture. I am sure there are many suggestions. Select one that best fits your conditions to give the dendrobium what it needs.

I also think from the photo, you are referring to Perlite and not Permilite, unless Australia has a different name for the same product.

CL

Hi CL,
Thanks!It is Perlite not Permilite...apologies.
Will try to water this daily and lets see how it goes. I hope they would like it....I also read it in Ehow and Toh Garden that this medium is the ideal medium for growing orchids...but the websites didn't indicate how often one should water them.
Regards,
Rachel

Rachel,

You can ask 10 different people what the best media is for growing orchids and you will get at least 15 different answers! :rofl: It all depends on the genera and your environment.

Have you checked the threads on Dendrobium culture from the Search icon on the forum menu yet? You might also visit the Dendrobium Alliance section of the OB.
CL

I agree, everyone has a different idea of how well things grow in, as well as a different level of care they want to give. If you don't want to water daily, you might consider adding something with a bit more water retention ability to the mix. It really just depends upon your preference/need/time and environment.

Keith is right. There in Sydney you need to water more often with this media but not more than once or twice a week. The sponge rock absorbs enough moisture toward the inside of the pot to keep it hydrated. The roots look normal. These are older roots and when watered they turn a darker brown color. Remember that the root is actually inside the velamen which is the spongy water absorbing layer which holds the moisture for the root to take up. I still have a few orchids that are growing in charcol and sponge rock only along with some in lava cinder only. They grow well and are growing new leads. Rachel, when it starts turning cooler say in May or June, water less often. One way, and I feel a good way to tell how hydrated a plant is, is to water it thoroughly and pick it up. Remember how heavy it feels. Now let it go without water for a week. Don't worry. It will be just fine. At the end of the week, lift the plant again. It should be fairly light weight by now. Now water it again. Really drench it. Lift it up again and feel the difference. That is how to tell if it needs to be watered. You'll notice a big difference in weight. It is nearly summer there so feed it weakly, weekly. 1/4 strength orchid food every time you water. Every 4th watering, water it with plain water with no food. Give it lots of air. Where you have it hanging sounds ideal. One other thing. Locate your nearby orchid club. I know there are at least two in the Sydney area. You can learn so much from them. Good luck.

Hi James,Thanks heaps!Will do!Cheers!