S/H Oncidium gold dust - 'mostly' algae free set-up

[jiblylegs]

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to share my S/H set-up I use for my Oncidium gold dust. I nestled a slatted pot with a wick into a ceramic cache pot. The cache pot completely blocks light, so there is no algae growth inside the pot. I thought someone might find this modified set-up useful/interesting if they are wanting to avoid algae. However, I still see some green growing on top.

There are two small holes drilled into the ceramic pot to allow air exchange and drain water. Twice a month I soak the entire slatted pot in distilled water to clear excess salts. The plant appears happy and has 4 maturing growths.

[fishmom]

You've got some really good root growth going.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

I use a similar setup, though my cache pot is clear. Your plant looks very happy. Mine also has four new growths and roots galore! Good growing.

[jiblylegs]

Been in spike for 2-3 months now. I'm getting real antsy to see this show! 7 spikes total.



I'm not sure why the embedded photos look fuzzy on my desktop.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by jiblylegs

I'm not sure why the embedded photos look fuzzy on my desktop.

Could just be the background creating an optical illusion. Great plant! Looking forward to the blooms.

[WaterWitchin]

Indeed, that's gonna be a showpiece! Please post when the show commences!

[jiblylegs]

One spike has completely bloomed, and the others are waiting to help extend the show for me. It has a nice musky vanilla scent. I'm actually having a lot of blasted buds, but the humidity is pretty low in my home right now and its the plants first bloom after repotting into this set-up. I don't think I'll continue with the set-up but it was fun and low maintenance.

[WaterWitchin]

I think it's looking great! Don't forget that if you move it to something other than SH when the plant is doing so well, it's going to set it back while it grows new roots to adapt to the new environment.

[jiblylegs]

Yes, but I’m not sure I’m giving this one the care it needs right now with this set-up. I have a toddler and baby that are keeping me very busy. I got behind on regularly flushing the pot and the roots are looking rough? I’m seeing a lot more success in my environment with bark and a little spaghnum moss which I wanted to transition it to. Still learning