Transferred my first S/H Orchid, it had root rot

[cyberbrat]

Well, I transferred an unidentified Phal to S/H. It was in bad shape...it lost two leaves and had bud drop. I got it a few weeks ago and was concerned that it did not have sufficient drainage.

The potting media was a decomposing mess and a lot of the roots were yellowish and mushy. About five roots were thick and deep green...one had root branches coming off of it.

I hope it makes it...this is the first time I have ever moved an orchid out of a pot...let alone into S/H. What an experience.

[addictedcountryman]

good luck. i did not have luck with s/h because i did not heed Ray's warning to wait until you have new root growth so that it can acclimate. i managed to save my oncidium, but it took awhile. what i thought was a new root was a piece of styrofoam wedged in between some old roots .

[Ray]

In this case, if you can keep the plant warm, very humid, and shady, it should recover, and as it's in S/H now, the new roots will grow tailored to the environment, so should be fine.

If it fails, it will certainly not be because of semi-hydroponics!

[cyberbrat]

Originally Posted by addictedcountryman

good luck. i did not have luck with s/h because i did not heed Ray's warning to wait until you have new root growth so that it can acclimate. i managed to save my oncidium, but it took awhile. what i thought was a new root was a piece of styrofoam wedged in between some old roots .

Yes, it did not seem like good timing.That is funny re the styrofoam! The mix this orchid was in was bizarre...I did not see any type of foam/bark/chips...it all looked like a bunch of clumpy stringy rotten moss. I hope mine can pull through like yours did!

[cyberbrat]

Thank you Ray for the tips I am planning on using exclusively S/H. I am a beginner to orchid keeping in general but like the concept (and watering ease) of S/H. I do hope this little one makes it.

Originally Posted by Ray

In this case, if you can keep the plant warm, very humid, and shady, it should recover, and as it's in S/H now, the new roots will grow tailored to the environment, so should be fine.

If it fails, it will certainly not be because of semi-hydroponics!