Lava Rock & Lecca

[Leafmite]

I do not use S/H. I just move orchids from other mediums to lava rock and prefer not to kill the roots in the process. Everything I have read about transferring orchids to S/H seems to imply that you cannot save the old roots....

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I do not use S/H. I just move orchids from other mediums to lava rock and prefer not to kill the roots in the process. Everything I have read about transferring orchids to S/H seems to imply that you cannot save the old roots....

That's surprising, I've heard quite the opposite actually! I personally have never had an orchid not adapt to S/H. There's something about the combination of constant moisture, extreme aeration, and continuous feeding that seems to have saved many dying orchids for me.

I've had 6 phalaenopsis potted in late Summer from Sphagnum into Bark-Sphagnum mix. The decline was specularly fast. Transferred them all to S/H within a month. Those plants are now thriving and shooting roots like there's no tomorrow.

I repotted an Oncidium that was sold to me with a heavy bush snail infestation into S/H in the depths of winter. No more bush snails and the Oncidium has since taken over with the tiny roots surrounding the LECA beads.

There's something to be said about how watering techniques and RH affect the success rate of different setups. In addition to temperature and repotting time which is very important for S/H due to evaporative cooling.

[Leafmite]

Good to know. I keep reading that the old roots will die and new roots grow that are adapted to S/H. I have never tried S/H. Interesting.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Good to know. I keep reading that the old roots will die and new roots grow that are adapted to S/H. I have never tried S/H. Interesting.

I would try it (follow steps on Ray's website) but being in Ohio I would make sure the Phals have a heat mat. Paphs also love it.

I have a bellina that is thriving in S/H but due to evaporative cooling it must be placed inside some kind of enclosure (I used a plastic jug with holes in it) and on a heat mat. Other more cool tolerant Phals can do well just with the heat mat.

[estación seca]

Most of the plants I move to S/H maintain most of the old roots for a long time.