SEVERAL FAILED ATTEMPTS IN S/H.

[lorenaguti]

Hi, I'm very happy since early April I have put a phal in S / H was with few roots but strong and had a root small off since then phal has responded very well, has released two roots more, I hope I follow as well, only lost 2 leaves I think it is normal, I have to upload pictures ... thank you all for your advice...

[lorenaguti]

I put some pictures about my first phal in S/H...has new roots and new leaf...im happy

[Corsetière]

It is good you are having some success with S/H now! Congrats! But I can't help wondering if all the extra holes on your container are reducing the wicking efficacy of the LECA? Just a thought...

[lorenaguti]

Originally Posted by Corsetière

It is good you are having some success with S/H now! Congrats! But I can't help wondering if all the extra holes on your container are reducing the wicking efficacy of the LECA? Just a thought...

Thank you very much for your observation, extra holes were made ​​to improve the circulation of air through the roots, at first time had no extra holes but I was afraid about excess moisture (I dont want mold, roots rot), do you advise me the phal would be much better without the extra holes???

My temperatures are around 72-82 and humidity around 50%-65%.

[Ray]

With those holes in the pot - as opposed to just two of them to set the reservoir size - what you've got is more "traditional culture in an inert medium", than semi-hydroponics.

Corsetière is right to express that concern. Think of it this way: there are two, opposing processes going on, the wicking of water upward to keep the LECA moist, and evaporation, drying it out. The wicking is a fixed rate, determined by the properties of the LECA, but by adding the extra holes, you have accelerated the evaporation rate.

You need not worry about air flow around the roots, as the LECA itself is so much more "open" than any other medium, it'll not be an issue.

Having said all of that, the plant does seem to be doing well, and with the summer temperatures and humidity on their way, it'll probably thrive.

[mtorchid]

Originally Posted by lorenaguti

I was afraid about excess moisture (I dont want mold, roots rot), do you advise me the phal would be much better without the extra holes???

You have a happy Phal! The new roots/leaf are telling you it's doing fine. You may have to water more often with the extra air holes, otherwise it doesn't make a difference. My 'chids that like to dry out between waterings are in PrimeAgra LECA with coconut fiber in baskets or plastic pots with drain holes like yours with fewer holes. I have a Paph that thrives in S/H too (pics attached, I hope). Its air pot is nestled inside another container that has no holes to enhance humidity but still allow extra airflow. The moss on top is an an indication that the center retains moisture longer. LECA is amazing stuff!

[Corsetière]

If it is doing well, maybe just leave it? But you might try another orchid planted without the holes. I think it would benefit from more moisture this way.

Ray is right, after the initial adjustment period, the roots will adapt and not rot.

[NeoOrchid]

Hi-

I tried s/h after reading First Rays' s/h faq on his website and have had pretty good luck so far. I have a large epicatt Siam Jade and a few phals in s/h that spiked first time ever!

However, that being said, my paphs failed miserably and my phal Belina had to go back into coarse bark!

From what I understand, sometimes roots will rot and new roots that suit the s/h environment grow...that is what happened with my epicatt.

Too, watching for salt build up on the leca and on roots is important when planting s/h.

In my final analysis, I have found that not all my phals like s/h and none of my paphs do...I do (surprisingly) have an angrecoid in s/h and it loves it!

Go figure.

Cheers!
Neo

[lorenaguti]

Originally Posted by Corsetière

If it is doing well, maybe just leave it? But you might try another orchid planted without the holes. I think it would benefit from more moisture this way.

Ray is right, after the initial adjustment period, the roots will adapt and not rot.

Yes, I did it, I put another phal planted without holes...thank you for your advice.

[mtorchid]

Originally Posted by NeoOrchid

Hi-

I tried s/h after reading First Rays' s/h faq on his website and have had pretty good luck so far. I have a large epicatt Siam Jade and a few phals in s/h that spiked first time ever!

However, that being said, my paphs failed miserably and my phal Belina had to go back into coarse bark!

From what I understand, sometimes roots will rot and new roots that suit the s/h environment grow...that is what happened with my epicatt.

Too, watching for salt build up on the leca and on roots is important when planting s/h.

In my final analysis, I have found that not all my phals like s/h and none of my paphs do...I do (surprisingly) have an angrecoid in s/h and it loves it!

Go figure.

Cheers!
Neo

Well, the question is always- what KIND of s/h environment- one that allows the leca to dry out between waterings or one that maintains a consistently moist environment? My Paph thrives in leca (pics above in earlier post) because I maintain a higher water level in the reservoir. It's up to the grower to decide how much water there is to be wicked by the leca depending upon the orchid's needs. My Paph would die in leca if it was in a lower water reservoir container that I use for Catts, Dens, BLCs.