Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings
 

I have been reading alot and I'm kinda confused on balancing my environment with the needs of my orchids. I grow indoors (windowsill) until I can get an indirect sun exposure outdoors in the upcoming warmer months. Please provide suggestions you'd use in my case.

Environment: indoors only facing S-SW window & bathroom NE facing window
Humidity: 50-70 depending on season
Temp: central A/C @70-73F
Goal: To water all orchids at same time based on their needs.
Question: Ratio of media needed & type of pot (plastic or clay) pots with soldered holes to get them to be watered at the same time on weekly basis.

Oncidium:
Dendrobium:
Blc. Taeko Tamaki 'Volcano Empress'
Burrageara: Nelly Isler
Phalaenopsis: Grocery store type and Bellina
Catasetums: should I use the P.E.T method even if indoors?

Thank you guys ❤️

There are likely many ways to accomplish your goal, but I’ll throw out a couple to get started.

Convert them over to semi-hydroponics. Once established in that culture, there is very little difference in the before-, and after-watering con dictions in the pot, so you can water at anytime.

Another option is LECA blended with rock wool cubes. You can vary the ratio to suit the needs of the plants in traditional culture.

I do as Ray suggests, because it's the only way I've found that works for me in my environment, with many different genus, species, and hybrids.

Catasetum... mine are grown inside, and I use a similar method as PET method. Whole idea is when they're growing they need a LOT of water. It's doubtful you could keep them on the same schedule as some of the others you mention without using that method.

If you choose a bark based medium, you'll need to experiment with ones that require drying out some as compared to those who need consistent moisture. Needs consistent moisture, add more water-retaining media to the mix (sphag, rock wool, etc). More moisture, use a plastic pot. Less moisture a clay pot and/or less moisture retaining media. Many different ways to tweak it. That's dictated by your environment and the particular plants you have. And almost impossible for someone else to answer, just in my opinion. There's no magic rule of thumb... you have to experiment, tweak, and watch your plants closely until you hit the right mix.

And if you go the semi-hydro route, there's still a learning curve to adapt the plants to the cultural method...

I also use the same lights Ray suggests. The company i s easy to deal with and the lights can be strung together to accommodate several shelves with only one cord to the power source. Check out their website.

Because individual growing areas and environmental conditions vary so much, you'll need to figure this out for yourself by trial and error. The individual plant makes a difference, too. When in active growth they may use a lot more water than during less active periods.

Potting in sphagnum moss can give the longest intervals between watering once you learn to use it. The larger the particles in the potting mix, and the less they retain water, the shorter the watering interval.

Realize there are going to be times when once a week is too often, and also when once a week is not often enough. You can't keep plants on a strict watering schedule.