S/H questions for a beginer

[SaraJean]

So this is going to be my first attempt at semi-hydro. I have gathered all of my supplies (and then some!) so I think I am ready to start; the PrimAgra is soaking as we speak... I do have a few questions though

1. As far as bottom heat goes, is this always necessary? My outdoor area, that I have my warm growing orchids in, is about 80-90 degrees durring the day and 77-80 degrees at night. There is also a fan in this area. If I leave my orchids outdoors in this shaded area, do I still need a heat mat?

2. I have two orchids that like it a bit on the cooler side and they are normally kept indoors. From what I keep reading, you want it warm and high humidity levels to help the roots get established. In starting these cooler ones in s/h, can I move them outdoors in a shady, protected spot to help with the transition? I have high humidity in my area that is normally in the range of 55-85%. I do have a heat mat if they need to stay indoors, but I don't know how I could simulate the humidity levels that I get outside.

3. As new roots grow for the s/h environment- the old roots die off, right? So do I need to cut off all of the dead roots after the plant adapts? Or do I just wait until the orchid needs to be repotted? I know I need to check the roots and cut off anything damaged or dead before transplanting, its the after part that confuses me :/


Feel free to throw any tips my way and thank you!

[mtorchid]

Don't mess with the roots (unless you find some that are rotted or completely dried). After it's repotted leave it alone so the new roots can grow/adapt.

Just do research on the type of orchids you have re outside/shade. Remember that creepy/crawly things might enjoy your orchids too, so check them carefully if you decide to bring them back inside.

With your climate I don't think you'd need a heat mat indoors. Again, it depends upon the orchid. If the outdoor temps would require a heat mat, better to keep them indoors.

In general, I think you'll have a lot less fussing to do than we who live in colder climates.

P.S., even if your winter temps would be mild enough for some of your orchids to be outdoors, you still have the shorter daylight hours to compensate for.

[Ray]

1. No
2. Heat is not essential. The idea is to overcome evaporative cooling and to stimulate root growth. With that RH, it's probably not an issue.
3. Also no, unless the old root system is extensive and dies all at once.


Ray Barkalow (via Tapatalk)

[SaraJean]

Great, thanks for the info Ray and Marc!

I am also working on making a little green house out of this old bakers rack that I already use as a plant stand. I will be able to hang some grow lights from the top and stick a humidity try in at the bottom. Hopefully that will help with the shorter daylight hours and our rare cold snaps that we get.