Den. lawesii - Orchid Board

TylerK · #1 05-31-2009, 04:54 PM

Has anyone tried growing Den. lawesii in semi-hydro? I have a small one in treefern fiber that just dries out too fast.

Thanks,

Tyler

Zoi2 · #2 05-31-2009, 07:47 PM

I have a couple of dens in s/h but I do not have a lawesii. If you've got new root growth, I'd say go for it.
Joann

TylerK · #3 05-31-2009, 08:43 PM

Thanks Joann. New root growth is part of what prompted my original message. There are four new pseudo bulbs coming up right now and little root nubbins starting to appear, so if it would survive this type of culture this is the time to make the switch.

The main concern if I do switch it over is going to be getting the roots out of the tree fern. This is the first and only orchid I've grown in tree fern (purchased that way) and it seems like a real rats nest. There's no way its going to pull free as easily as sphag or bark.

Tyler

Zoi2 · #4 05-31-2009, 10:04 PM

Sounds like it is time to transfer to s/h. I've never had anything in tree fern so don't know much about it. Can you soak it to soften it and snip it away from the roots?
Joann

TylerK · #5 05-31-2009, 10:16 PM

It's possible, but it would take a while since I'd have to cut out very small bits at a time. It's all very tangled and the orchid has fairly fine roots...it will likely take an afternoon to get it all done. A task for next weekend I guess