new to semi-hydro (picture series)

[Boondock]

I was curious about semi-hydro and after reading for the last week, I paid a visit to my local hydroponic/indoor gardening store. (I hope it's ok to post a link to the store. It's called Indoor Garden, and they are very helpful. They have 3 locations in western Washington state)

I bought a 10 liter bag of Hydroton for $9.99.

I went to my local deli, and looked at the containers, and bought one pound of potato salad (and asked them to put it in the large container)

I soaked the Hydroton over night and rinsed it.

I assembled my tools, (propane blow torch, vise-grip pliers, nail and lighter)

I heated the nail, and made 3 holes, about 1 inch above the bottom, on the side of the container.

I then added the plant and the Hyrdroton and gave it a couple gentle squeezes and taps, to settle the Hydroton in the pot, and around the roots.

Can it be this easy? I took pictures of the process. Could I have do something better?

[dave b]

Looks good, and yes, its that easy.

More importantly, did you eat the potato salad, and was it any good?

[Boondock]

lol

yes the potato salad is quite good. I need 6 more of these so I am thinking Cole Slaw next, then Greek Salad, etc etc

[Phalguy]

Hello!

I do use deli container too ! To make a hole, a simple nail heated on the stove is enough.
My deli store allow me to bye the container empty and they charge me 10 cents each ! A nice deal !

[Boondock]

I agree with quiltergal, Ray's website is indispensable.

Originally Posted by Phalguy

a simple nail heated on the stove is enough.

I bought some acrylic tumblers at the dollar store as a "test pot". The nail on the stove was not good enough to melt thru the acrylic. But after making the holes in one, I think using a drill and drill-bit is the way to go with the heavier material.

I like the acrylic glasses alot better than the deli container because they are completely rigid and clear. I will have to keep my eye out for some in a larger size.

[Buds!]

I bought some acrylic tumblers at the dollar store as a "test pot".
I like the acrylic glasses alot better than the deli container because they are completely rigid and clear. I will have to keep my eye out for some in a larger size.[/QUOTE]

Hi Boondock,
Thanks for your tip! I think your acrylic container looks great! Have you planted any orchids in it yet?
I find myself looking at plasticware in a different way now!
Cheers,
Buds!

[Oscarman]

It's just that easy! Why aren't we all growing like this?? Many of us soak the leca in a root growth stimulator like KLN, before planting, then water in with it also. Fertilizer solution for subsequent waterings. First Rays Orchids has some great S/H info.

Boondock......what is the plant you potted up?

[justatypn]

Sounds like a good plan, but the torch is a bit much. Nail on the stove is much easier.

Have a local hydro store here as well, never been in there, it's one of those things, I need to go see for myself what the big hype is but have never think about it when I have free time...free time what's that

[Boondock]

The plant is Lc. Love Knot var. coerulea 'Carmela's Blue' (L. sincorana x C. walkeriana)

I have 5 of these, but I'm going to wait until I see how this one does, before repotting them all.

here's a pic of the bloom, last Feb

[Ray]

Be forewarned that catts can some times be very "pouty" about the transition to semi-hydro culture, and remember that timing is everything.

Based upon the limited view of the photos, it doesn't look like you have new growths emerging (OK, it is 5:30 in the morning, and I am working on that first cup of coffee, so maybe I missed it/them.). If that's the case, be prepared to pamper the plant and observe fairly extensive root rot until it does. THEN, it will take off in s/h culture.