Bottom Heat

[HeidiN]

Originally Posted by PitcherASAMD

What is the optimum temp I should keep the newbie transplanted orchids at? I currently have the heat mat set at 72 degrees. Should I go higher? Or lower? --Katie

I was wondering this too.

[Ray]

The pads I use and sell do not have controllers, but are rated to boost the root zone about 15° above ambient, so that means - in my case - that it's about 75°F at night, and warmer in the daytime (if the sun shines).

[mojomick]

Ray, several of my newly divided SH plants have been on the heating pad I purchased from you. It's been several weeks and they are loving it. Nice new juicy roots and the foliage looks great. Thanks, and as soon as I find some more $ I will be getting a few more. Betty

[Ray]

You need to thank Ross - he was the one that "turned me on" to under-pot heating, and now it's my standard repotting practise.

I just upgraded my trays of heat pads to a large one on a "recent repot" bench. On it - but focused on seed germination - it gives germination times of different seeds when boosted from 70° to 85°, so I assume that's not too hot - but I can also guarantee that I'm not paying to heat the GH to 70°!!!

[PitcherASAMD]

I've had my controller set at 75 degrees for the past 2 weeks. So far so good. I am bumping the seed pad up to 78 to see if that improves the rate of root growth. I did just notice today that my sharry baby has a new growth! So I would love to think the seed pad is working I'll keep ya'll updated as things progress!

--Katie

[Hedge]

We were always recommended to use bottom heat to root all sorts of cuttings when I did my horticulture course. FYI if you are buying garden plants to put out in the summer taking cuttings from them, and rooting them this way (with good humidity until the roots establish) means one $1 plant can become six by the time frosts have cleared and you are doing your "bedding"