RE: Reservoir in S/H pots
 

Question from an S/H newbie (or should say, wannabe). I am going to take the plunge and try S/H, probably PrimeAgra, on a half-dozen of my Phals that haven't been doing so well in a straight sphagnum-and-bark mix in my specific growing conditions. They've been growing in slotted plastic pots that I got from RepotMe. My question is this: how important is that reservoir at the bottom, e.g. in the plastic pots at First Rays? The slotted pots are slotted all the way down the sides, and across the bottom of the pot, so no reservoir would be possible. Is it still practical to use them (and thus probably have to water much more frequently), or should I rather get the pots that provide the reservoir? :scratchhead:

I'm still a s/h newbie, but as far as I know, in order for the s/h method to work properly you need a solid bottom on the pot you use with 2 or 3 holes measuring 1/4" in diameter. Make sure the holes are 1" from the bottom of the pot, making the space between the holes and the bottom of the pot the reservoir.

I think that without the reservoir at the bottom of the pot you will find it necessary to water more frequently. With the reservoir you will have wicking action of the water up through the media. Several growers here use slotted pots with S/H so I am sure you will get some good information. I grow S/H with a reservoir, but can't see it being a problem.

Semi-hydroponics is defined as single-pot culture, the use of an inert medium, with a constant moisture/nutrient supply. What you are suggesting is traditional culture in an inert medium.

However, if you stand that pot in a tray of nutrient solution, you have made the instant conversion!

A second "however" though: while slotted pots are great to let the root system breathe, in a semi-hydro application they lead to rapid evaporation of the solution, negating the wicking action of the medium.