I want to start S/H culture - advice?
 

:hello

I have 2 Phalaenopsis and I am tired of all the problems related to fir bark medium. As far as I read there is no brake down issue with clay pellets, air flow is optimum, it is harder to overwater etc.

These are my plants:
This one was repoted on 12.10.10, almost 1 month ago and the medium already produced some small flies:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...2-dsc00860.jpg
This is the root system one month ago when I repoted:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...6-dsc00771.jpg

This is the other one, repoted first on the 16.10.10 only to see some filaments of mold forming around the crown and inside the medium so I repoted again on the 27.10.10 (10 days ago).
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...5-dsc00859.jpg
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...4-dsc00856.jpg

Today, after 10 days, there were filaments of mold forming again and some small black flies are present(you can't see them in the picture):
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...6-dsc00863.jpg
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...7-dsc00864.jpg

And since all this was not enough, few minutes after I took the pictures the pot fell and all the medium was on the floor. :poke: Now the plant is in a glass of water with few drops of Grow fertilizer and few drops of organic seaweed fertilizer:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...8-dsc00867.jpg
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...9-dsc00874.jpg

These plants had so many traumas I am surprised they are still alive.

So, give the situation, do you this starting S/h culture in Hydroton pellets (the only ones I can find here in UK) is a good idea?

Thanks
Luiza

I have found that my Phalaenopsis really thrive in Hydroton.

Your's is just starting new roots which is the perfect time to change over.

One thing I have found helpful is to make sure that they are growing "warm" when they are making the transition.
I use a seedling heat mat until they get established. Don't grow them in a cool place.

Maureen