Transferring healthy plants to S/H

[ALToronto]

My rescues are doing much better in s/h than they were in damp sphag. And when I tried to bag one of them, it died in 2 days. I disagree, Ray - rescues in s/h with kelp extract and a heat mat at least have a chance of survival.

On the other hand, I'm having second thoughts about cattleyas in s/h as a long-term environment - I think it's very important for them to dry out and have seasonal changes of conditions, so I will probably replant mine into something else.

[billc]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

On the other hand, I'm having second thoughts about cattleyas in s/h as a long-term environment - I think it's very important for them to dry out and have seasonal changes of conditions, so I will probably replant mine into something else.

Al, Don't water them. The leca dries out just as thoroughly as bark, CHC or whatever kind of mix one would use. If I waited a week between waterings the plants I have in S/H would be bone dry.

Bill

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by billc

Al, Don't water them. The leca dries out just as thoroughly as bark, CHC or whatever kind of mix one would use. If I waited a week between waterings the plants I have in S/H would be bone dry.

Bill

I have been wondering about that. I suppose that when you do water again you would have to really soak the leca well.

[billc]

Not necessarily. After the dry season they get drenched several times a week and the natural wicking action would take over. I think most catts grow in an environment that even though it doesn't rain for quite a while there is still fog that rolls thru and the air is fairly humid. So the roots still have some moisture available to them.

Bill