S/H question

[BettyE]

Originally Posted by Tikva

Is the S/H medium just clay pellets? Are all clay pellets created equal? I really want to try this, but I know an order online will be much larger than what I would buy in person. Don't ask.
Can a person buy S/H medium at one of the home improvement stores?

Tikva, As far as my orchids & I are concerned, the clay balls which I have re-potted my orchids in are much better than any other medium I have ever used. I purchased mine from First Rays. The medium is anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. I did recently have 75 plus orchids...all but one is in these pellets. Twenty-two were given to the Tyler orchid society...all of which were "extras." Just my opinion...BettyE

P.S. I've been growing orchids for 40/45 yrs.

[fotofashion]

This discussion is just in time for a problem that raised its head today. I received an Lc Puppy Love 'True Beauty' this afternoon. It was in a clay pot in sphagnum. Unfortunately, the pot arrived broken. This plant has to be repotted now (IMHO). I am transferring my collection to LECA. The new plant, after a superficial inspection, doesn't seem to have any new growth as yet. (Especially roots). From the advice Ray gave, it appears I should just forge ahead and repot, leaving time for the plant to dry out a little bit. What say you. Thanks
Beverly A.

[desertanimal]

the way i switch plants these days is to switch them immediately into LECA with traditional culture. Then, when new root growth starts, I transition to S/H culture. My catts transition well when I do that.


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[BettyE]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

This discussion is just in time for a problem that raised its head today. I received an Lc Puppy Love 'True Beauty' this afternoon. It was in a clay pot in sphagnum. Unfortunately, the pot arrived broken. This plant has to be repotted now (IMHO). I am transferring my collection to LECA. The new plant, after a superficial inspection, doesn't seem to have any new growth as yet. (Especially roots). From the advice Ray gave, it appears I should just forge ahead and repot, leaving time for the plant to dry out a little bit. What say you. Thanks
Beverly A.

I would use the advice that Ray gave you. Since the plant has few if any roots, You may have to make two wire (long "U" shape) clips to anchor the orchid into the leca until a few roots form. My husband makes these for me, out of a roll of wire he has. This works well for me/my orchids. BettyE

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by orchidtraci

I'm not sure I can help you. I do my s/h in lava rock. I know alot of people will shun lava, but I have never had better luck, and I got a huge bag of it for 10 dollars.

I also use lava rock. It's much easier to get where we are and in a lot cheaper. My phrag has been in s/h in lava rock for about 3 years and it really loves it. I flush with each watering.

[BettyE]

I, also like lava rock, and have used it with great results in the past...BettyE.

[fotofashion]

Thanks all for your responses. I guess I did not make myself clear. The plant appears to have roots on the older growths and has bloomed but it is in that broken pot with sphagnum (which does not work well in my climate, or, is it just me ). Tomorrow we will have a repotting session and I will see how it goes in the rocks.
Beverly A.