Semi hydro Update - Orchid Board

Gilda · #1 03-12-2007, 05:28 PM

Starting at the first of the year I began switching my phals & paphs to SH...within a few weeks I began seeing new root growth !

All my plants are mature blooming size ..most all my phals have been in bloom when switched ! The first picture is Dtps Newberry Parfait..it was in bloom and has continued to bloom and is showing good root growth

The next picture is Paph Michael Koopowitz reaching for the reservoir !

Paph spicerianum in the resevoir !

Phal Equestris roots happy as a clam !

Needless to say I am sold on SH, and EVERYTHING is going to be switched....they can like it or die !

Lindafvb · #2 03-12-2007, 06:31 PM

Thanks for sharing Gilda. My equestris is still blooming but I feel better about switching it over to S/H as soon as it is ready. I started switching in Nov. and only the plants blooming or in spike are waiting for the plunge. Can't wait to have them all done.
I was wondering do you see more aerial roots since you switched over? Just wondering because I do, root system looks great in the medium but I do have alot of roots starting above the pellets and reaching out into the air.

Gilda · #3 03-12-2007, 07:42 PM

[QUOTE=Lindafvb;22248I was wondering do you see more aerial roots since you switched over? Just wondering because I do, root system looks great in the medium but I do have alot of roots starting above the pellets and reaching out into the air.[/QUOTE]

I am seeing a few aerial roots..can't say it's a lot or anymore than in my regular mix,which was a peat base mix.. I do have a phal in SH I won 2 years ago at our societies Christmas party,,,it is still in the original pot...tons of aerial roots.....but very healthy and has 2 spikes. I have been tempted to dump it and redo it and probably will...
I will shoot a picture to show you...I think it is just their nature as they normally grow in the "air"..no medium.

Toddybear · #4 03-13-2007, 12:11 PM

Gilda, what size hydroton do you use? I have a source for 20mm but I was wondering if that was too big.

Gilda · #5 03-13-2007, 02:53 PM

Todd,
There are all sizes in the bag.marble size down to pea size....I don't get a choice of sizes at the hydroponics store where I buy mine...I use it as it comes, big & little together, and there are some 20mm size in the bag !

Toddybear · #6 03-13-2007, 03:19 PM

My source has it all evenly sized at 20 mm....seems too large for my taste.

Gilda · #7 03-13-2007, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddybear

My source has it all evenly sized at 20 mm....seems too large for my taste.

That size would leave air spaces that's for sure !

Tindomul · #8 03-13-2007, 04:09 PM

Thats impressive growth on that Dtps. Congrats!!!!! Lately though, I've become disenchanted with S/H, but I will leave those that I have in it alone and for the long run.

Gilda · #9 03-13-2007, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Lately though, I've become disenchanted with S/H, but I will leave those that I have in it alone and for the long run.

Why the disenchantment ? How long have you been growing in SH ? Is it all orchids or certain ones ? Thanks !

Tindomul · #10 03-13-2007, 07:42 PM

I have two Lc.'s and two Phals. The Lc. are growing but some of their roots have taken on the color and texture of the hydroton. The Phals don't really seem to be doing anything out of the ordinary. Basically, Im not seeing the difference other than its easier to not overwater.