Can all type of orchid go into S/H

[Tekano]

As the title states can all be converted into s/h?

Also how does one go about doing it?
And what about small keikis? Can we start it without acclimation?

[astrumes]

Originally Posted by Tekano

As the title states can all be converted into s/h?

Also how does one go about doing it?
And what about small keikis? Can we start it without acclimation?

From what Ray has said in the past, all orchids can be grown in semi-hydro but only according to your specific environment. Just because a person can grow beautiful miltoniopsis and masdevallias in semi-hydro while living in England doesn't mean a person in Florida can do the same. It depends on your growing conditions and environment. In the right conditions any orchid can grown in semi-hydro. My only concerns would be with finicky/sensitive terrestrial type which which at have a problem with the airiness of leca media.

Go to Ray Barkalows website if you need more info about how to grow in the semi-hydro system. It's got everything you need in detail.

From what my experience, conversion is easiest on plants that are healthy, just starting to grow new roots at the base, and switching from a similarly water-retentive media (like sphagnum moss).

Small keikis, if they have a large enough root system should be able to adapt to semi-hydro as long as they are healthy and large enough but once again it depends on if that orchid is suited to your growing environment.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Almost all orchids seem to do well in S/H, but some people don't do well with some types. Some people say Vandas, Bulbophyllums and Tolumnias don't do well in S/H, but there are people growing all of these in S/H.

There is a semi-hydroponics forum here on Orchid Board with lots of detail. Ray Barkalow, inventor of S/H, is a member here. He keeps the old S/H forum up on his First Rays Web site for reference purposes, but it is no longer active.

In general, only move orchids to S/H when they are just beginning new roots, and it is warm.

[flowerpower]

In my opinion, vandas are not ideal for this method for a number of reasons. Most of everything else is fine.

I haven't found a better method for oncidium intergenerics and miltoniopsis than semi hydro. It's pretty good for phals too as long as they are transferred around the warmer months.

Cattleyas do great once established and so do catasetums. Paphs seem fine, had one in it a year or so, didn't react at all to the change. But they seem quite easy-going about things.

Dendrobiums can be a little difficult in the beginning (for my environment) but it definitely can be be done. They just seem to be slow to get established.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by flowerpower

In my opinion, vandas are not ideal for this method for a number of reasons. Most of everything else is fine.

I haven't found a better method for oncidium intergenerics and miltoniopsis than semi hydro. It's pretty good for phals too as long as they are transferred around the warmer months.

Cattleyas do great once established and so do catasetums. Paphs seem fine, had one in it a year or so, didn't react at all to the change. But they seem quite easy-going about things.

Dendrobiums can be a little difficult in the beginning (for my environment) but it definitely can be be done. They just seem to be slow to get established.

Everything you stated is correct for you, growing in your environment, but actually has no bearing on whether those plants will perform similarly for someone else.

My personal experience is a great deal like yours, but I have customers doing quit well with vandas in S/H culture, I know someone in Ohio who grows marvelous tolumnias that way, and a customer of mine in Delaware wins awards for her S/H-grown cacti and succulents.

A little tip: your cattleyas and dendrobiums will become established faster if you keep them really warm at repotting. Using a heat mat is a great help. Also, phals appreciate warmth at repotting too, but keeping them very warm year round will give even better results.

[LKbflo]

Ray - what kind of warming mat do you suggest?

[Ray]

I have not done a comparison, but have simply used the 13 watt ones from Hydrofarm..

[LKbflo]

thanks