Falcata in SH? - Orchid Board

SundayGardener · #1 09-13-2018, 08:17 PM

Hello,

Anyone tried neofinetia (or now vanda) falcata in SH?

If I am not mistaken (and I might be...) vandas do not necessarily take to SH? I was wondering if the falcatas might be an exception, since they are traditionally grown in moss.

Thanks!

Ray · #2 09-13-2018, 10:18 PM

"Plants" do not define whether they will be good in semi-hydroponics.

Plants plus every other cultural parameter, combined, do, and that is not unique to the technique.

Bunch_Of_Roots · #3 09-14-2018, 03:52 PM

I have one in S/H, and it grows very well. I water it regularly during the growing season, then very little or keep it dry during winter. And start watering in spring.

I noticed that V. falcata throws out a lot of new roots in the spring/ summer, and those roots can take to S/H, so that would be the best time to switch. Large, established Vandas will be set back as they are more sensitive to losing their root systems during the transition. BUT, if you have a Vanda seedling, it can adapt to S/H easier than an old one. I have a couple of V. tricolor seedlings growing in S/H very well.

stompy · #4 09-14-2018, 05:40 PM

My Neo is doing incredibly well in S/H. The roots are nearly at the water reservoir. Now if only I could get it to flower instead of make a million roots......

SundayGardener · #5 09-14-2018, 06:12 PM

Thank you!

I did find a thread under the Neo discussion about SH. And yes, I would have to wait until next spring. They are all happy and root-y now, but if I try to change their environment they won't be pleased.

After googling, I found a comment by someone who said that neos seem to take well to SH for the first few years, and then go into decline, with the theory being that they need more aid flow. But I don't see how SH would provide less aid flow than moss, for instance. I tend to think of moss as more suffocating because it is so hard for me to keep it moist without its compacting. And I know that the neos need to be re-mossed every 6 months or so. I have mine in tree fern in coir lined baskets, and as long as I get them enough water in the summer they are healthy. But SH would be easier.