Phals in S/H
 

Hi. I was looking into putting my phals and one paph into S/H. There is one thing that is worrying me though. I have read in a few threads here that phals will get root rot in the winter if they dont have a heat mat under them. I cant buy a heat mat (my mother wouldnt allow it). the temp in my house stays a steady 72 degrees in the winter. Do you think that i can successfully grow with the S/H method without a heat mat?

At 72F you could be OK without a heat mat. I've had problems with Phals in S/H but I go down to 59F and probably have it regularly around 64F. 72F is probably more like my summer temps here with the weather we get.

If your winter household humidity isn't overly dry, that temp should not be an issue.


Ray Barkalow
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Thanks Ray and Rosie. Ill have to try S/H on one of my chids :)

Hi Tim,

I've been growing in S/H for 9 years now without any mats. Many Phals go crazy in it others do not like it. Just make sure it has active new roots growing when you do give it a try. Most of the old roots will die off.

That is good to know. Thanks for your information.

I transitioned my first Phal to S/H 6 weeks ago after it lost its last bloom and was growing new aerial roots. So far I have noticed no "adaptation" period. It and 4 other Phals I have subsequently transitioned have shown no ill effects whatsoever. My advice is to go slowly and observe. i think you will be pleasantly surprised with this culture method.

I've had some phals that did not loose roots in the transition. I think they are less prone to loosing roots when doing this than other types of orchids. However I would still transition it when there are new roots just to make sure.

I'm the exception. I re pot with out concern for roots, etc. I have never had a problem with transitioning a Phal to semi hydro. I will say, all grow well, but some are just crazy about growing in it. Roots, flowers, and leaves, oh my!! If your medium in packed in too tight and the roots can't breath, then you can run into a problem.

thanks for all of the information everyone!!