Phrags in Semi hydroponic

[Ray]

Becca, a plant that has adjusted to a wet environment usually perceives the moist LECA environment as an improvement, and adjustes very quickly.

Linda, if you're growing with the plants standing in a tray of water, you ARE growing semi-hydroponically, just not with an inert medium.

Mary, bark chips, CHC, perlite and the like are not "normal" media for phrags, either. In nature, they tend to grow in moss, mud, clumps of dead grass and rocks, often with their roots constantly submerged in the running water of a stream.

In "domesticated" orchid culture, we are trying to find a method to provide everything the plants need, but in a manner that is convenient for the grower, and not trying to duplicate the plants' environment in nature (I hope my words are properly expressing my thoughts here). In nature, the plants are often growing in very much of a "survival" mode, while we try to optimize the culture.

[quiltergal]

Originally Posted by Ray

In "domesticated" orchid culture, we are trying to find a method to provide everything the plants need, but in a manner that is convenient for the grower, and not trying to duplicate the plants' environment in nature (I hope my words are properly expressing my thoughts here). In nature, the plants are often growing in very much of a "survival" mode, while we try to optimize the culture.

To paraphrase what I think Ray is saying (correct me if I'm wrong Ray). Duplicating the way orchids grow in the wild isn't always the optimal way to grow them. Often we can provide far superior conditions, and when plants are grown with that culture they thrive and flourish. Nature often provides only the minimum requirements needed to flower. Why not provide the maximum?

I have a Phrag. Jason Fischer that I think I'm going to move to S/H in the spring. I'm currently doing the saucer thing too.

[lindad3406]

Originally Posted by Ray

Linda, if you're growing with the plants standing in a tray of water, you ARE growing semi-hydroponically, just not with an inert medium.

.

So, Ray, you are saying that I can slip my bessae/phrag collection right into LECA without much stress?

[ladyslipper]

Originally Posted by lindad3406

So, Ray, you are saying that I can slip my bessae/phrag collection right into LECA without much stress?

Hi Linda, I have this same question. I was not planning on setting up a s&h grow area but thought changing at least my Bessae (sp) into LECA & watering it. Right now although I water mostly frequently with RO water alone, I do put a small bit of regular tap water in with the RO in addition to the times I fertilize with a diluted fertilizer.

I admit th being a lazy grower & don't want to be any more a slave to my obsession than I already am.

m