Confused about S/H

[Tim P.]

MMk... so where do I start. I know that you need a pot... I know you need leca or hydroton. Fill me in on the rest. I hear people all the time talking about it and how great for the plants it is, but no where have I actually seen the method and directions . Any little bit of knowlege helps! Thanks. Pictures would be awesome. I have around 9 Phals.

[Ray]

Semi-hydroponics

[Tim P.]

I still don't understand the watering. Do you just let them sit in an inch of water or what?

[Ray]

The idea is that the reservoir "feeds" the capillary action of the LECA medium, maintaining a moist, airy environment around the root system. The watering technique - fill the pot rapidly to the top and let it drain - flushes the medium, saturates it, and refreshes the chemistry of the reservoir.

You do not pot the plant up with its roots submerged, as that would drown them. They will, however, grow into the reservoir over time, and that's fine.

[Tim P.]

I re-read again and understand the pots after having seen pictures. Something else wasnt quite clear to me. If I use the pots with the holes in the side do i keep a steady supply of water under it or do I let it dry out inbetween waterings?

---------- Post added at 11:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:29 PM ----------

i was also looking at your pots Ray. I saw that there were tall ones, and there were short ones. Does it really make much of a difference which ones I put orchids in?

---------- Post added 06-01-2013 at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was 05-31-2013 at 11:17 PM ----------

also... my orchids are currently in bark. i have phalaenopsis and one paph. Can i expect all the roots to die and then new ones to regrow after the transfer to leca?

[RosieC]

The holes in the side mean that the water collects at the bottom (this is the reservoir) this bit below the holes stays full of water. Don't let it dry out between watering as that will cause mineral deposits to build up more. This method of watering is always wet in the bottom.

Some orchids will loose all roots when switched to this method, which is why its best to switch them when there are new roots growing (new roots, not just new tips on old ones). However some orchids don't loose their roots so you might be lucky. I've had some NoID phals that didn't loose their roots. I've also heard that Paphs might not, but my oncidium types definitely did loose their roots.

Not sure on the question about the height of the pots, except that the wicking of the lecca means the taller ones are likely to be dryer at the top

[Tim P.]

Thanks so much for the help! I will have to get some hydroton. I feel guilty for spending more money :/. Just got an expencive car... but i need something that i enjoy doing to pass my time also. What is 20 dollars anyway I was also looking at more orchids lol