Hydrotron drying at top - Orchid Board

Wjs2nd · #1 09-09-2011, 10:22 PM

I have a Phrag Fritz Schomburg that I really didn't like the look of the mix so I repotted it to S/H. I noticed when I got home today the top of the hydrotron was dry and just want to make sure it stays wet enough. This plant love to be wet all the time. Are there any tips for keeping it wet better? Would a bigger pot help? I was thinking about getting a bigger pot anyways.

Bud · #2 09-09-2011, 11:53 PM

are you sure you are doing the S/H method properly? I never experienced my topmost layer dry at all...it is always moist...in fact I can leave for vacation for 2 weeks and when I come back its still moist...

zxyqu · #3 09-09-2011, 11:59 PM

Also, to add with what Bud says, some hydroton products experience faster drying at the top than others. Also, warmer weather will kill the reservoir more quickly, and could cause more drying at the top. I dont know the answer to Bud's question, but you may have this to worry about as well. Hopefully Ray of First Ray's will chime it.

RosieC · #4 09-10-2011, 05:01 AM

My understanding is the same as Jarad's that some of the hydroton products are more likely to do this that the Primeagra which Ray sells.

Mine does it and I generally don't worry too much although if I feel like it I mist the top. I find if there are new roots that still need to dive down under the surface then misting the top helps if it's drying out, otherwise it doesn't seem to matter.

billc · #5 09-10-2011, 08:05 AM

The top inch or so of my s/h pots are usually dry in a few hours after watering. I have a bunch of phals in s/h and it doesn't seem to matter to them. The nice thing about s/h is you can water every day or 2 days and the roots don't rot from being waterlogged.
I'm always puzzled how some people can keep the upper part of the s/h damp. It most likley has to do with humidity levels and air movement.

Bill

DelawareJim · #6 09-10-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wjs2nd

I have a Phrag Fritz Schomburg that I really didn't like the look of the mix so I repotted it to S/H. I noticed when I got home today the top of the hydrotron was dry and just want to make sure it stays wet enough. This plant love to be wet all the time. Are there any tips for keeping it wet better? Would a bigger pot help? I was thinking about getting a bigger pot anyways.

Water more frequently. You can't overwater a phrag in S/H. Mine sits on the front porch in a shady spot and I water it every day when I go to work.

Cheers.
Jim

Wjs2nd · #7 09-10-2011, 09:42 AM

Thanks everyone for the help. I am going to water everyday and mist if needed. I'm doing the S/H right but it's in a little pot, it was all I had at the time, which I am putting it into a bigger pot today. I will eventually get some stuff from Ray. I just need to save some money too.

Wjs2nd · #8 09-10-2011, 09:44 AM

Oh, I just moved to St. Paul, Minnesota area and it's not as humid out here so I think that plays a role in it too.

Eyebabe · #9 09-10-2011, 11:49 AM

With using s/h, sometimes bottom heat from a seedling mat will help the plant acclimate faster.
I certainly see the condensation on the clear plastic goes up to a higher level when I have my s/h plants on seedling mats. I think the PrimeAgra pellets look more "wet" on top as well.

However, my phrag (and I only have ONE in s/h) very much DISLIKES being on a seedling mat

Within two days some of the outer leaves begin browning at the base. I move it off the mat and viola! the problem goes away. Thus I do like mentioned above and just water it more so the top isn't so dry.
Just an observation

Bud · #10 09-10-2011, 04:58 PM

I guess you are all right...the humidity factor plays a great part on the moistness of the top layer. I did an experiment last night and put 1/4 water deep in a large mayonaise jar and filled it with dry from the plastic pack LECA. This morning the top layer of the clay pellets are wet and moist but theres one spot near the rim that is still powdery grayish dry...by noontime everything is moist and wet and dark color of terra cotta clay.