tempted by S-H. glass jars ok? supplies in NYC?

[stefpix]

Hi

I rescued a Lc Angel Love in water culture. 5 dollars for an orchid that had just rotten roots. now i see green roots' eyes and new growth.

I wonder if water culture is viable or if it is better to switch to SH.

Anyway I wanted to try with lava rock. It was available at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden but now they are out of it.

There is an Hydroponic store way out in Queens. seems that is hard to get this stuff at Lowes or HD.

Also I can use the deli soup containers for the medium sized plants - but for the smaller ones I could use clear plastic cups but they are ugly.
I have nice empty glass jars but I could not poke the 2 holes in it.
is it essential to have the 2 holes on the side?
if I just fill one inch of water with no drainage wouldn't the water evaporate or be wicked upwards anyways?


thanks
stefano

[Jeff9]

I assume the holes are for flushing and soaking so the water can escape, i'd make atleast one hole and use plastic transparent pots over glass anyday.

[orkie]

Just to chime in, the hydro store in Queens has a lot of great supplies, if you get a chance you should check it out.

[stefpix]

thanks I think I will go today - after all it is about 5 miles from me... it seems the only real option in NYC...
just Queens during rush hour gets larger than Texas to go from one side to the other.

Anyway is Lava Rock as efficient as LECA?

[billc]

Originally Posted by stefpix

Anyway is Lava Rock as efficient as LECA?

I've never tried lava rock, but I've read several posts here where people are using it and like it. It is certainly cheaper and more readily available.
I would think the round Leca pellets would wick up water better, because the surfaces are all touching each other. Also, there are many air pockets for the roots, and you probably get better air exhange.
If you wind up trying the lava rock, I'd be interested in hearing what you think.

Bill

[stefpix]

Can I use the reg Schultz orchid fertilizer in SH?
are people using other stuff?

Has anyone succesfully tried in SH

Maxillaria tenuifolia

Brassavolas
Zygopetalum
ground orchids like Bletilla, Spathoglottis, Phaius
Laelias, Lc?

thanks

[stefpix]

and Masdevallias!

[greenbean]

You could try using the plastic cups as the actual planting pots and then put those inside the glass jars. Since the jars are clear, it kinda doesn't make sense, but you could try it anyways.

I've been reading about S/H for about a year now, still haven't made the plunge, mostly because I'm uneasy about spending money on anything. I'm far from an expert (or even a novice, really) on the subject, but from what I've read, LECA works best because it provides more uniform conditions for the roots than a material like lava rock would. This might not sound very important, but it really is. Uniformity means there are no large pockets where roots might dry out, or small pockets where roots might suffocate and rot. Airflow, water, and pore space are all evenly distributed.

I strongly suggest that you read the information on Ray's site. He really knows his S/H!

First Rays' "Semi-Hydroponic - TM" Culture

Of course there are various individual adaptations, but the info there will give you a good knowledge base.

Good luck!

[stefpix]

well i went to the store in Queens. The LECA was cheaper than the Lava Rock. 10 l. for 12 $, 25 l. for 25 $.

got the 10 l. maybe should have gotten more. They had so SH clear plastic pots. got some deli soup container and a 2 $ soldering iron at the 99 c store.

the tall containers look too large for some plants.
are the smaller shorter ones too short? if the roots reach the water is it a problem?

Need to find some decent clear thick party plastic cups with no texture. so far not lucky.
put 2 or 3 plants temporarily in small ikea glass glasses.

I am wondering if SH is ok with

Masdevallias
Maxillaria
Encyclia
Bletilla

I rescued a Vandacea NOID [maybe Neostylis? neofineta that I have been growing for a few months in water culture.
Also I have two small Vandas that are the same in a small basket together. could try one in SH and see the difference...