How deep to pot cattleya in S/H so new root growths doesn't become desiccated? - Orchid Board

EleanorChang · #1 09-20-2018, 12:29 PM

I have foraged the forum, read Rays website, Google etc about "Desiccated Root Tips in S/H" - Now info overload and getting confused

- So I thought to directly ask the question

"How deep do I pot cattleya in S/H so new root growths doesn't become desiccated?"

I have also seen a post on this forum where Ray advised a member that their cattleya should sit ontop of of the LECA and not buried init as it can potentially cause rot on eyes and rhizome.

So....

I followed Rays advice and potted my cattleya with the rhizome onto top the LECA. I have a dryline only on the top layer of LECA.
My new root growths are hit and miss: - some grow into the LECA without problem, some show signs of desiccation - I am currently managing the situation by daily misting the top layer and the rhizome also gets wet. I am watering 25ppmN every 3rd day.

What I was wondering.....

Given my existing environment.
For my next S/H repot on any cattleya. Can I bury the rhizome loosely so that it is level with the LECA?

My theory is that if a dryline exist in a my S/H setup, the buried rhizome will stay relatively dryish between flushes (providing I don't mist) and technically the new root growth are growing into an already moist environment - thus preventing desiccation (I know I cannot assume all root grow downwards!)

I might be overthinking a problem where solutions already exist (i.e top dressing sphagnum moss/plastic disc/misting).

No one to talk to about orchids

, my husband thinks I have gone bonkers

in the last 7 months! ...thought I ask here.