Discus, my FRIEND- ..... I like you and your dead on.
I suspect that since orchid roots (at least the epiphytic ones) have a velamen layer, the concerns of aeroponic droplet size "too small to support large plants" should be a moot point (the velamen is inherently a wicking layer that will "suck up" plenty of droplets); if you're trying to max out oxygen supply to a root, why are you going to come along and add a medium that is going to interfere with this?
The atomized solution is not moist at all, in fact it is dry. Sufficient moisture is not capable of being supplied to the roots in an open air chamber. The purpose of the fog is to create root hair that takes in the atomized or the evaporating moisture. Droplets need to be at minimum 30 micrometers to supply enough salts, 02 and H20. The ultrasonic produces 2-5 micrometers, that's not enough salts per cycle. Again this is a HYBRID Semi Hydroponic/Aeroponic culture. The multi layered root system will have smooth and fuzzy appearance. Fuzzy takes in lots of air, some H20 and little salt, and smooth "velamen sheathed roots, without root hair) are the bulk of the water, air, salt transport.
I'm growing in circulating clouds basically, with a consistant nutrient water source
If by "support" you mean physical rather than physiological support, no media-less system will support a plant without some kind of structure on the stem; a simple "clamp" or "collar" around the base of the plant isn't a long term solution to stability - but some wires might be.
I don't think I said anything about support, but yes neoprene collars are the standard. And a trellis or net...something has to support the plants. I want to support the roots in a NET POT not an orchid pot, big difference! also I would like to put the "clouds" to a dual purpose and add in a constant RH source. If the RH is too high then I will add some moss to the top.
Why would you go to the trouble to aerosolise your fertigation water when it's only going to end up running through your media as a film (normal size mist would work the same)? (The aerosol droplets will mostly hit the LECA and adhere, forming a film; not sure just how far a fine mist will penetrate your LECA; you might as well be using normal misters).
multi layered root systems are more productive and sustain large vigorous plants. Better bloom, higher value. More control over nutrition. ECT.....
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