How does one water newly potted S/H plants
 

I just repotted 8 plants into semi-hydroponics. I got my supplies from Ray and appreciate all his help:waving
I went to the Home site after the posts to the board, and saw that the hydro-orchids site recommends letting all the plants dry out completely for a few weeks after repotting. What does everyone do? I watered my plants and they have water in the reservoir now. I have phals, catts and oncidiums.

Also, how much water should be left in the reservoirs before plants are watered on a regular basis (I am asking this for well established plants in S/H)?

Hi Jerry, I have Phals in s/h and pretty much water them twice a week. The water in the reservoir is generally about 1/2 way between the holes and the bottom of the pot. What kind of orchids did you transfer?

Bill

I would guess that the Hydro-Orchids site is giving that "leave 'em dry" recommendation because they don't understand the importance of repotting when new roots are forming.

Leave a plant without any moisture for a few weeks and it will start putting out new roots to try to find some. At that time, the plant is in the same state of growth as I recommend. Of course, weeks of dry conditions can also weaken a plant significantly.

As to the watering regimen for established plants, believe it or not, the more often, the better, but you'll come to a comfortable conclusion in your own conditions.

DO NOT wait for the reservoir to dry between waterings - if it happens when you're away, no big deal, but it's not a good regular practice.

DO NOT just top up the reservoir, either. Every watering should involve rapidly filling the pot to the top and letting it drain.

Ray,

I assume that you are against the leave em dry method of forcing growth?

Also how often should I water the plant with water only to flush out excess salts and minerals?

-H