Tips for Zygonisias in semi-hydro?

[OrcishOrchids]

So my husband picked up a NOID purple zygonisia at the grocery store today, and I'm wondering what the basic rules for them in semi-hydro are because that is what all my phals are in.
When I unpotted it to look at the roots I found they had completely filled the pot and we're a solid mass, and chunky like phalaenopsis roots. The internet seems to think it's one of the crosses with mostly Acacallis cyanea in it's lineage, but I'm not sure which. I'm a total noob and would appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you in advance.

[Ray]

My only tip: plant it with the rhizome right on top of the medium, not submerged in it.

[OrcishOrchids]

Maybe it's weird to revive this post after so long, but I just wanted to give an update on my NOID zygonisia in Semi-Hydro.
for the first 6 months it tried to die repeatedly, killing off several successive fresh growths while it adjusted to the change. it was NOT happy, and I actually repotted it again into a higher quality Leca in an attempt to keep going.
it worked!
Now almost two years in, it's growing and blooming happily in front of a window, with no supplemental light, weely watering/feeding. so yes it matters if it's real leca and it matters if it's a quality brand. [IMG]

[/IMG]

[PlumCrazy]

Very helpful to post long-term results for those of us that are learning. Your plant looks beautiful!

[fishmom]

Your plant looks very healthy and happy! I'm curious about your container--do you have holes in the side or are you keeping a small amount of water in the bottom and emptying it out when you water?

[OrcishOrchids]

I have drilled flushing holes in the side with a glass drill bit. wear gloves and safety glasses and it's not hard, just a bit nerve-wracking.