Recieved 5.5" Phal and wanna go S/H

[datousteve]

Hello!

Over the past month, there has been a beautiful phal in the lobby of my firm. Apparently, it was a gift from the building manager. Well... the phal has finished blooming so I've inherited the plant!

This is my first phal this large (it's in a 5.5" pot) and I'm thinking of moving it to S/H. It's currently in moss. I've read and heard of the benefits of S/H but I currently still have alot of bark medium which is why I haven't switched over.

Assuming that I go S/H, I have a few questions I was hoping some of you experts could help me with:

1. Where is a good place to purchase S/H medium?
2. How much medium is required for a 6.5" pot? I'm thinking that since it is currently in a 5.5", I would move it up one size.
3. What type of pot would you recommend?

Thank you!

[Ranchnanny]

Hi There I have all my Phals in S/H and they are doing great. You can get your pot at Ray's First Orchids. I got my s/h medium at the local Hydroponic store or order it online at Ray's. I buy 10 lb. bags here in central Oregon.
The pots from Ray's are white plastic and the holes are already drilled making it easy to get started. He also has kits to get you started with the right amount of medium.
Check Ray's out.

Have Fun
Sheridan

[bonsai1504]

here's a link to ray's website.
Welcome to First Rays Orchids
have fun! (also, look at the pictures of the orchids growing in s/h!)

[quiltergal]

The key to success with S/H is to wait to transfer plants until you see brand new root growth. Not growth from existing roots but brand new nubbins.

[priz_m]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

The key to success with S/H is to wait to transfer plants until you see brand new root growth. Not growth from existing roots but brand new nubbins.

Yes Steve, listen to Terri, I know I didn't

Anywho I got my s/h supplies from our very own Ray.

Best of luck with the transfer!

keep us posted!

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

The key to success with S/H is to wait to transfer plants until you see brand new root growth. Not growth from existing roots but brand new nubbins.

Sooooooo true Terri, first rule for a successful transfer into s/h! My gorgeous Beallara is now history because I didn't listen!

[Ray]

While I have to agree that the timing of repotting is a significant factor in the successful transfer to semi-hydroponics, don't rely too much on that single factor. You have to look at the whole picture.

In Steve's case, for example, the fact that it's in sphagnum suggests that the root system is already pretty much used to a wet environment (maybe even too soppy and compact), so may take off if repotted right now.

Likewise, Sandy's beallara may have succumbed to some other issue unrelated to repotting. For example, the warmth of SE FL may have been just too much for it, or if grown in an air-conditioned home, maybe the root system got too chilled by evaporative cooling.