Converting to Hydro

[Leafmite]

Watering every day does sound rather awful. I only grow one Phal, the bellina, and I have it in tightly packed New Zealand Sphagnum moss so I just have to water it once every six days (along with all my other plants). The basket pot makes certain that plenty of air gets to the roots even when the moss is sopping wet. I change the moss every ten to twelve months (I buy AAAA long-fiber, good quality moss). I hold it under the faucet until the basket of moss gets really heavy and the roots I can see are green.

[Ray]

Andrew, individual types of plants have different sensitivities to pathogens, but generally speaking, if it’s present in the shared bath, pretty much anything can get it.

What “getting it” means may vary.

[Andrew-L]

Ok, that clarifys things. What pathogens should I be watching out for?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Andrew-L

Ok, that clarifys things. What pathogens should I be watching out for?

Bacteria, fungi, & viruses!

[estación seca]

Fungi and bacteria are uncommon in healthy orchids growing in good temperatures, light and humidity. However, they become more likely when temperatures and humidity are high, and air circulation is poor. Viruses can spread at any time. Most viruses seem not to cause noticeable symptoms in most infected plants. Some viruses can infect unrelated plants. Some are limited to one or a few kinds of plants.