I want to start S/H culture - advice?

[LuizaG]

I have 2 Phalaenopsis and I am tired of all the problems related to fir bark medium. As far as I read there is no brake down issue with clay pellets, air flow is optimum, it is harder to overwater etc.

These are my plants:
This one was repoted on 12.10.10, almost 1 month ago and the medium already produced some small flies:

This is the root system one month ago when I repoted:


This is the other one, repoted first on the 16.10.10 only to see some filaments of mold forming around the crown and inside the medium so I repoted again on the 27.10.10 (10 days ago).



Today, after 10 days, there were filaments of mold forming again and some small black flies are present(you can't see them in the picture):



And since all this was not enough, few minutes after I took the pictures the pot fell and all the medium was on the floor. Now the plant is in a glass of water with few drops of Grow fertilizer and few drops of organic seaweed fertilizer:



These plants had so many traumas I am surprised they are still alive.

So, give the situation, do you this starting S/h culture in Hydroton pellets (the only ones I can find here in UK) is a good idea?

Thanks
Luiza

[nutgirl]

I have found that my Phalaenopsis really thrive in Hydroton.

Your's is just starting new roots which is the perfect time to change over.

One thing I have found helpful is to make sure that they are growing "warm" when they are making the transition.
I use a seedling heat mat until they get established. Don't grow them in a cool place.

Maureen