OK....here goes!

[CTB]

Started this week of July 13, 2013, using water bottles I planted up my first s/h orchids. I used catts, bulbos, a twinkle, a prag, and paphs and Dens, a total of 18 orchids….. Don’t know too much about what I am doing except from what I’ve been able to pickup reading on the orchid board.


Mostly I used water bottles, they are kind of small but that’s what was handy,,,one mayo bottle and two drink cups.. I used my solder iron to put holes around, one inch from the bottom.. I made two holes together in three different places, filled with small lava rock that had been soaked for two days and just plain water for the first week. Wish me luck I’ll keep everyone posted.

[Leafmite]

Looks great! Good luck!

[Picotee]

Cool project! Keep us informed on their progress, please.

[svlair]

I think you will be pleased with S/H. Don't be surprised if the orchids sulk for a few weeks while they adapt to the new growth conditions. I started switching to S/H in March of this year and now have 12 in S/H with 4 to go when they finish blooming. All of the 12 in S/H are thriving now.
Good luck!

[bellini girl]

Welcome to the club. As Svlair mentioned, expect an adjustment period. This is to be expected when you rpot in any medium though. Most of my 'chids are in SH , some adjusted quicker than others but overall I'm glad I switched.

[CTB]

end of week one.......everything looking good, will start weak fertilizer water this week. I find it surprising how much water has been absorbed even tho lava rock was soaked for several days before use.

[mmrobledo]

How do you make the wholes on the plastic containers

[svlair]

A cheap electric soldering iron makes neat holes unless the plastic is very thick. A drill will also work but you must be careful to avoid cracking the plastic.

[CTB]

I use a soldering iron, fast and quick.

[hcastil3]

I love S/M I swear blooms last way longer as well lmuch longer than any other method I tried