Phal planted in s/h

[Ray]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

I am sure that the humidity part is what is causing the problems with the roots rotting so fast in the s/h culture, I am correct?

It does explain the dry roots at the surface, and if there is sufficient evaporative cooling courtesy of the low humidity, you might be keeping the roots a lot cooler than you think, and THAT might explain the excessive rotting (as well as the poor timing on repotting we've already discussed).

Humidity trays don't do a damned thing to help - not enough surface area to force evaporation, and there's too much dispersion to the rest of the room, home, and universe. To borrow an analogy from TZ - if you open the lid on your toilet, does the bathroom get really humid?

If you want to be really successful with orchids, find an effective way to increase the humidity in the growing area. It will help a lot - s/h or otherwise.