All 'chids' now in S/H

[Ranchnanny]

Hello everyone well I went and did it. I have successfully repotted all my 'chids' in S/H and so far they are adapting very well. The first ones repotted about a month ago have started putting out new leaves and little nubbies (I am assuming roots). I even repotted Phals. in bloom and no flowers lost
I purchased S/H medium locally but under the name Hydroton. It appears to be the same as PrimeAgra.
See the I have attached. I have noticed that the medium stays moist in the Orchidarium most likely due to the high humidity. The medium outside that environment drys out more quickly so I water them more often. I am anxious to show them to the dear friend that got me started with orchids but she will wrinkle up her nose at them. I know she won't like it. But to each his own I LOVE IT!
The only orchids that is still in bark is my Phap. which is still in bloom and I want to wait until its finished blooming. Enjoy the

TTFN - Sheridan

[Ray]

I know for a fact that Hydroton and PrimeAgra are different, but I doubt it's enough of a difference to be concerned about.

Yeah, I've heard the objections to S/H culture from all over, and they boil down to 3 things:

1. "It's not natural." My response is to ask when the last time folks saw an orchid - in nature - growing in coconut husk chips, or on the bark of a cork oak in Portugal? tree fern - maybe. Sphagnum? Bog orchids maybe, but not epiphytes. It's a lame objection.
2. "The medium is too expensive." OK, you gotta buy it up front, but you never have to replace it!!! Add up the costs of replacing your organic media components periodically, and you'll find that it's actually far more expensive. This argument is just plain incorrect.
3. With the watering technique, "I'll spend way too much on fertilizer." OK, I'll admit that once-through watering can appear to be overly expensive, but consider that if you buy a 5# tub of MSU fertilizer (well water version) from me, and use it at the recommended 125 ppm N, you'll pay less than $0.02 per gallon for the solution. You're going to squabble at two cents a gallon after spending how much on plants??? Besides, reuse the runoff on your other plants (not orchids).

And the folks who will tell you that "all that water will cause root rot" simply don't know what they're talking about.

[Ocelaris]

My only squabble is that I pay MORE attention to orchids, and that means they seem to be growing oh so much slower :*) Sometimes it's unbearable, even though I know my paphs may be growing at THEIR breakneck pace, it's like watching water boil!

[Ranchnanny]

hello are you saying that the orchids grow to slowly in S/H medium? If so I have to say the opposite. I have had several Phals that just sat there in bark and done nothing in the way of growth. Since I have repotted them new leaves and roots are showing and this has been in about one month. Again I say to each his own.

TTFN - Sheridan

[justatypn]

I think Ocelaris was being facetious as well as remarking that paph's are slow growers no matter what medium you put them in...

[Ranchnanny]

if I misunderstood Ocelaris's meaning please accept my apology regarding my comments. They were not meant to offend. I have had my Phap. since the end of Feb. it was in bud when I recieved it. Its still going strong (flower) and I noticed yesterday new growth. I think the Orchidarium is the reason. It like it in there. I do intend to repot it in S/H medium when if gets done blooming. How long do Phap. flowers last anyway?

TTFN - Sheridan

[Ocelaris]

you guys are too polite! I'm a scrooge on here sometimes! Sorry for the confusion, I just was kidding

[justatypn]

Polite Your good Oce.

Normally paph's at least the ones I have are very slow growing, lucky to get a few new leaves before the bud pops out than that's another months wait. I do have one that has bloomed 3 times this past year just lost it's 3rd time around bloom in Feb. They definitely creep like a turtle. Am anxious to see how mine do in aliflor, recently repotted x's 1 week, so I guess the pot will take a few months to boil for me. Sounds like my cooking skills

[Ranchnanny]

Thanks Ocelaris I feel much better now

Sheridan

[justatypn]

Love the group hug...Sheridan