Rupicolous laelias in s/h?

[escualida]

Anyone have a rupicolous laelia growing in semi hydro? If so, how is it doing? Can I see a picture?

I'm considering putting a milleri in s/h...

Thanks in advance!

[shadytrake]

I have a milleri and another (can't remember it at the moment) in arkalite set in shallow trays. I don't do straight s/h because according to their growing location, they get pretty wet foggy dew early in the morning but they dry out during the day. I'm not sure they would do great with wet feet.

Mine are blooming sized now but have not bloomed yet. I really amped up the light this year (the leaves and pbulbs are really red) so I'm hoping for blooms.

[Bud]

rupicolous laelia, means it grows on rocks....
Although I have seen people successfully growing rupicolous laelias mounted on driftwood (must be watered every day) and in organic media such as tree fern, fir bark, and even sphagnum moss, the inorganic media are the best choice by a wide margin. In the past, I have tried gravel and gravel mixed with tree fern and had only moderate success; the plants grew, but slowly. I have now settled on S/H method and have had wonderful results. I only picture my plants when in bloom....so I might post some soon....

[escualida]

That's awesome Bud I'm going to try it in S/H then, I got it today and ALL of its roots were rotted but there are a few new ones popping out and a new growth so I figured it's probably the right time to make this kind of move.

Can't wait to see your pics.

[shadytrake]

As FYI, Arkalite is rock. I'll post a picture tonight.

[isurus79]

I'd also love to see pics as I've always been curious about this group in s/h.

[Andre]

I grow all of mine in lava rock.

[Bud]

[QUOTE=escualida;568009]That's awesome Bud I'm going to try it in S/H then, I got it today and ALL of its roots were rotted but there are a few new ones popping out and a new growth so I figured it's probably the right time to make this kind of move.

Now why would a vendor send you plants with rotted roots?
That is unacceptable.
Be sure to spray it with peroxide to rule out bacteria or fungus infestation. Maybe the roots were just discolored and they are not dead?
More mature roots will perish on the first few weeks of S/H up until the plant gets accustomed to the media and produces new fresh roots.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by escualida

I'm going to try it in S/H then, I got it today and ALL of its roots were rotted but there are a few new ones popping out and a new growth so I figured it's probably the right time to make this kind of move.

Don't forget to tie down the plant REALLY well. If the old roots are rotted out, then these new ones become especially important. Any wobbling of the plant (even slightly) will cause the roots to abort.

I would also think about some kind of heat mat below your new pot as well. Remember that the evaporation of the water from the clay will bring the temp of media down a bit. I think my Catt failures in s/h with warm growing species was due to the roots being a bit too frigid for their liking.

Basically, I want you to succeed so I can do the same. lol

---------- Post added at 03:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:45 PM ----------

And Shady, where are those pics?! lol

[shadytrake]

---------- Post added at 03:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:45 PM ----------

[/COLOR]And Shady, where are those pics?! lol[/QUOTE]

Sorry, my flasks came in the mail yesterday and I already had some sterilized moss. Just had to compot last night. I'll get them tonight.