Phalaenopsis bellina thriving in semi-hydro

[neophyte]

I really don't mean to be picking fights, but I think the atmosphere always becomes a bit frosty whenever someone mentions that s/h does not work well/has not worked well with them. I know swimmingorchids made us painfully aware of internet spammers/trolls, but really, if a newcomer makes a comment expressing an unpopular opinion on something, whether or not that comment is based on fact, can we be a bit gentler in correcting them (unless they're overtly belligerent)?

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Sorry, Edew, for hijacking this thread, and sorry to Ray and the mods – I realized I should have waited/gotten more context before posting. I think it's best if I keep my previous post still there, though.

[Leafmite]

Beautiful! This is one of those orchids that I think is far more impressive when one is seeing it live. Congratulations!

I have a Phal bellina and absolutely love it. I always wonder why everyone doesn't have one....

[Ray]

Personally, I have never been able to grow a bellina in S/H culture, because my winter temperatures and humidity were too low, so the evaporative cooling from the medium drove the root temperature too low for the species. Other, less-warm-blooded phals have done fine.

[Edew]

Woah woah woah haha. A lot has happened since I last posted!

For me, after observing and transitioning all of my orchids to semi-hydro, I noticed they are growing far better than ever these past 2 years in my 4 years of keeping orchids.

I can understand @Ray’s frustration when many people shut down his method without giving it a proper try first. I am so happy to have finally found this method that works for me and my environment. Thanks Ray!

Also, about the bellina: I got her last summer and repotted her straight into Semi-Hydro. Throughout the winter she was GROWING roots and a leaf! I kept her on a heat mat for most of the winter (my apartment stays above 70-72F), which I think definitely helped.

Semi-hydro has been a life-saver for my orchids in my environment where I have like 10-20% humidity in the winter. With bark and even moss, I had to run around like a madwoman watering every single day.

I agree with @neophyte, I think it’s helpful if we all take a breath and try to understand one another

And thank you all, bellina is blushing at your compliments lol. I wish I could send her fragrance to you over the internet!

---------- Post added at 12:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 PM ----------

Originally Posted by DrDawn

Beautiful!! Also, I just joined the MOS a few months ago, looking forward to meeting you when this pandemic is over!

Yay!! Nice to digitally meet you! I’m really excited to meet fellow MA orchid growers too Have you tried the virtual meetings? I never succeed getting in lol.

Originally Posted by hypostatic

Ha! Is that just a regular drinking cup? I love it!

It totally is! Lol I reuse plastic when possible and what better use than orchid pots!?