Transferred my first S/H Orchid, it had root rot
 

Well, I transferred an unidentified Phal to S/H. It was in bad shape...it lost two leaves and had bud drop. I got it a few weeks ago and was concerned that it did not have sufficient drainage.

The potting media was a decomposing mess and a lot of the roots were yellowish and mushy. About five roots were thick and deep green...one had root branches coming off of it.

I hope it makes it...this is the first time I have ever moved an orchid out of a pot...let alone into S/H. What an experience.

:shock:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community.../HydroPhal.jpg

good luck. i did not have luck with s/h because i did not heed Ray's warning to wait until you have new root growth so that it can acclimate. i managed to save my oncidium, but it took awhile. what i thought was a new root was a piece of styrofoam wedged in between some old roots :blushing: .

In this case, if you can keep the plant warm, very humid, and shady, it should recover, and as it's in S/H now, the new roots will grow tailored to the environment, so should be fine.

If it fails, it will certainly not be because of semi-hydroponics!

Yes, it did not seem like good timing.That is funny re the styrofoam! :) The mix this orchid was in was bizarre...I did not see any type of foam/bark/chips...it all looked like a bunch of clumpy stringy rotten moss. I hope mine can pull through like yours did!

Thank you Ray for the tips :biggrin: I am planning on using exclusively S/H. I am a beginner to orchid keeping in general but like the concept (and watering ease) of S/H. I do hope this little one makes it.