Anyone growing Cattleya nobilior s/h?

[snowflake311]

I do have one Catt in SH it was one of my first to try out how could I forget. Poor plant was so neglected I sometimes I forget I even have it... It was a Division of my other one. This poor Catt was kind of neglected. It is doing well new in S/H.

It had been a month since I put it in S/h. I checked it yesterday and found new roots and what could be new growth I am not sure it could be a root too. here are some photos. The thing with this one is I have it planted in a normal orchids pot with Slits in the side but it sits in a glass cup that holds the reservoir .



Roots!


And this funky looking growth.

[Leafmite]

The problem I had with the LECA was that it moved around too much, which wasn't very good for the roots of many orchids (except my Phrag...it doesn't seem to care). The red lava rock, on the other hand, does not have this issue. With all of the orchids putting out new growth, I dumped out all the LECA and went back to red lava rock. The Phrag will be staying in the LECA, though, as it seems to like it.

[Subrosa]

Here's what I came up with. A hybrid between s/h and mounting:

[isurus79]

Well now, that's an interesting idea! Is the wood submerged? I'm curious to see if the roots will follow the wood down into the well or if they stop growth just short.

[Subrosa]

The bottom of the wood is submerged about 1". I just noticed this:

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Here is an interesting link...
Tips For Growing Vandas and Their Relatives : orchid dynasty

It shows a technique that isn't quite semi-hydroponics but it seems to work for orchids that like plenty of air to their roots.

You could also plant it in red lava rock and a plastic Vanda basket. The rock keeps humid air around the roots and you won't need to water as often as a mounted orchid. I find red lava rock and a basket-type pot has worked very well for my Cattleyas that like watered well but need to dry quickly. I tried using LECA but I have returned to red lava rock for most of my orchids.

Leafmite, that link didn't work (for me).

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

The bottom of the wood is submerged about 1". I just noticed this:

I'd keep it dry until the roots get long. These guys don't like wet growing tips when the roots are small.

[spes1959@gmail.com]

Hi Stephen,
i just bought 4 walkeriana and nobilior which are on plastic pot with medium bark. I would like to ask you when to repot in terracotta pots with large orchiata. I live in Florence and grow them on the terrace facing south west and from October when the minimum drops below 10 celsius on the glass veranda next to the terrace. Thanks for the answer you can give me