Hydroponic Question.

[Keegan600]

I have grown just about every orchid you can think of successfully, and would now like to try my hand at Disa's. South African growers swear by semi hydroponic culture with excellent water and fine riversand as a medium. Another grower in california recommended I use Aquatic Plant Media such as that made by Schultz. That seems to be logical to me but in this area, I am one serious novice! Can anyone give me some advice if this is a good idea, and if not, why?

[Ranchnanny]

There, I am somewhat new to orchid growing only being at it for about 4 years. After having all my orchids in bark medium since the beggining I transfered everything to S/H medium and have seen so much growth its amazing. I also have an orchidarium housing all my mini Cats. My luck with bark medium caused me to overwater or underwater and loosing some orchids. I am more than pleased with the results I have gotten from the S/H medium. Check out the .

I have no knowledge about the medium you are talking about but I am sure Ray from Ray's First Orchids will be able to guide you and answer any and all your questions.



Sheridan

[Ray]

Despite Sheridan's confidence in my knowledge, I know nothing about such a medium. However, while I think a LECA is a good idea, I think it is the least of your concerns.

You will need very pure water, circulating, and cold. Ed Merkle in Nashville was successful by using a small refrigerator to cool the water.

[Keegan600]

Originally Posted by Ray

Despite Sheridan's confidence in my knowledge, I know nothing about such a medium. However, while I think a LECA is a good idea, I think it is the least of your concerns.

You will need very pure water, circulating, and cold. Ed Merkle in Nashville was successful by using a small refrigerator to cool the water.

Many thanks for the imput Ray. I already have a Reverse Osmosis system and a system for chilling the water. I am having a table specially constructed which mimics natural waterways in South Africa where these plants grow. Mike Tibbs, Wilferd Duckitt and Sid Cywes think I am nuts on the table idea, but eager to hear the results. Nobody has used the aquatic earth that I know of, but it seems to be a good idea, I will most likely just try one plant in it for now. It is marketed as being oxygen retentive, ph neutral and 100% Fullers Earth that has been fire Kilned to create granules. I think I am most attracted to the fact that it does not float!

[Ray]

I cannot wait to see the result! Photos are a "must".

[DelawareJim]

Originally Posted by Keegan600

Many thanks for the imput Ray. I already have a Reverse Osmosis system and a system for chilling the water. I am having a table specially constructed which mimics natural waterways in South Africa where these plants grow. Mike Tibbs, Wilferd Duckitt and Sid Cywes think I am nuts on the table idea, but eager to hear the results. Nobody has used the aquatic earth that I know of, but it seems to be a good idea, I will most likely just try one plant in it for now. It is marketed as being oxygen retentive, ph neutral and 100% Fullers Earth that has been fire Kilned to create granules. I think I am most attracted to the fact that it does not float!

Keegan;

Other substrate options might be Carib-Sea's Eco-Complete or Flora-Max
CaribSea Planted Aquarium | Eco-Complete Planted | Eco-Complete Red | Floramax

or Seachem's Flourite or Oynx Sand.
Flourite
Flourite Red
Onyx Sand

These are all fracted clay substrates used for planted aquariums but may also work with your setup.

I assume you're using an aquarium chiller to control your water temps?

Cheers.
Jim

[Keegan600]

Thank you so much for all the leads, I will be trying them all out. Yes I am using an aquarium chiller at the moment but I fear if this works too well, I am going to have to look for something with a slightly larger capacity!

[Ray]

Disas in Miami? Not bad if you can afford the utility bill!

[Keegan600]

Originally Posted by Ray

Disas in Miami? Not bad if you can afford the utility bill!

I used to grow Masdevallias in the Zambezi Delta basin at my one nursery, makes Miami feel like winter! Disa's should be a walk in the park! hehe

[Ray]

If you want to go to the trouble and expense of creating the right habitat, any orchid can be grown anywhere.

There is a guy in the Delaware Orchid Society who is particularly fond of Andean orchids and other seriously-cool-growers. He purchased a large meat locker and has outfitted it with benches, lights, humidification, etc., making them easy.

Personally, I pay enough to heat the greenhouse in the winter. I'll stick to those plants that like my "as-is" conditions.