New project: 3-4 plants to S/H

[PCgeekchick]

Ok, today I'm going to pick up my bag of Hydroton from Hummert (it's just down the street for me so really convenient) and will be repotting 3-4 of my plants as "experiments".

I've always grown my plants with saucers of water under the pots so I'm hoping the conversion shouldn't be too bad. I've met people who only water once a month around here and imo my plants would croak if i did that. They love being a bit squishy.

Anyhow, I'm moving over a Dendrobium, Oncidium and I'm going to try an Asocenda (mainly since it really isn't thriving in its basket in our dry house air). I'm still on the fence about moving over on of my Phals that is a tad unhappy lately.

Anyhow, I'm going to take before and after photos, and then chart their progress. It will be interesting at least with the Asc. I'll be using clay pots, hydroton (soaked & all that jazz), and saucers as external reservoirs.

My main goals are to help the Asc grow a bit, and cut down on my repotting costs. Since I keep my media damper than most, I end up repotting every year on the phals- a little longer on the other plants. My one Den in Hydroton (bought him in that from Tropic 1 in FL way back when) just loves it.

crosses fingers!

[gmdiaz]

I absolutely LOVE these projects. . .with photos and reports on findings!

Your project will be really interesting to follow!

[Team Ferret]

Ha, I drive by Tropic 1 every day. I was there once but didnt see any in hydroton. I am going to have to stop by again. Hopefully they will be in a better mood next time.

I think I am going to go the way of S/H. There are just too many benifits. Right now I have an experiment going to see how long it takes water to wick up in the higromite I bought last month. But I think I just need to hit Ray up for the right stuff to start until I have a better idea what I am doing.

Good luck with your project. I look forward to updates of your plants progress.

Dave

[PCgeekchick]

Hi Dave, I don't remember too many at Tropic 1 being in hydroton; and I also got this orchid from them about 4 years ago, so they sure could've changed. And you're right, not the friendliest bunch.
One thing I certainly miss about FL- there were at least 4 places within an hour of my house to buy orchids. Good for me, bad for my gas tank!

Anyway, I'll post pics after I get my project plants repotted. Just checked my Onc., and looks like I have a few back-bulbs that I can propagate too! bonus!

[justatypn]

Great project, will be sweet to keep up with this. Love those personal home projects, a great way to learn orchid culture and acclimating to your enviroment. Good Luck..

Been wanting to visit Tropic 1, not far from me and neither is about 3-4 more west of town, great to venture out with the thoughts of merely window shopping...hahaha window shopping for orchids...now thats an oxymoron

[Team Ferret]

Well, there is Tropic 1 and World of Orchids in Kissimmee, Tom Ritter in South Orlando and John Kicks in East orlando. Have I missed anyone in Orange or Osceola counties?

Dave

[PCgeekchick]

oooh... i know we are getting off topic here... but there is also this place called Paradise Orchids on 27 north of Clermont (and 50). It was on the right hand side. Nice orchids & supplies there (it's a shop, not a greenhouse).

And on the way is a little grower (can't remember the name- maybe 'something' Nursery), on 27 just a mile or so north of the 50 intersection. Set in the woods, on the right. She had a small greenhouse and quite a variety. I got my fantastic Phal there (hasn't stopped blooming in over 2 years; and my very strong Enc. Green Hornet). That's the one place I wish I could go back to. Not a lot of plants, but fantastic grower. Yep.

Then if you are up for a little drive, just up from Paradise (first paragraph above) is Goodwin Orchids (mostly Vandas and Asc.) take 27 north into Leesburg.

Ok, off to finish my S/H repotting project. I'll post photos tomorrow of the "before & start" phase.
Cheers!

[gmdiaz]

Does anyone know of any orchid places near Palm Coast, Florida?

I am supposed to be heading down there soon for work!

[Team Ferret]

Thank you for the info, I see a road trip in my future.

I am looking forward to seeing those pics.

Dave