Aeridis Flabalata not growing

[Shadeflower]

Originally Posted by Longroots

I fertalise it with 'rainmix', using their recommended growth.

Any opinions on why it's not growing as crazily as other Aeridis

The recommended dose is 1 gram per 2 liters but in semi hydro systems you need to use 1/4 strength of that. So 1 gram per 8 liters.

Since everything else looks good to me the symptoms will be from overfertilization and transplant stress, changing to a different susbtrate can add more stress but if that is all it is then the plant just needs more time to adapt.

Flush out the substrate on the next watering and reduce your feed. That should fix things.

How long have you been using the Rainmix at full strength for?

[Longroots]

Thanks for your reply! About a month, maybe a little longer. I actually did a flush about 2 days ago as although rainmix says you don't need to, I felt it was likely best to in semihydro anyway.

I'll have to figure out a way to cut it right back as I use a 2ltr bottle to store prepared water.

Thank you again!

[Shadeflower]

your welcome, just hope it helps.

Ps: I use Rainmix too.

For some higher feed requiring orchids you can use 1/2 strength - just never use the full strength. I wouldn't use it on any of mine long term.

Get another 2l bottle, fill it with 500 ml of full strength feed and then top it up with water to get it diluted to 1/4 strength.

[Longroots]

Yeah that was my plan. I'm hoping this, paired with lowering my light will help my Aeridis as I've found some anthocyanin also developing.

[Shadeflower]

It should benefit from some warmer temps coming up.
I am surprised it has done ok with the temps you described but I think like others have mentioned they generally like warmer temps than the uk generally has, from briefly googling it it says 15 C minimum for this one with only a 4 degree increase needed during the day which the sun provides without having to open windows at night.

Going down to freezing temps tonight btw - at least this part of the country

[Longroots]

Shadeflower I had a light snow earlier so bought my tropical bonsai in earlier. I bought my European terrestrials in for tonight also as they're starting to pick up and don't want them suffering even more than they are from the cold!

Honestly I think temps are exaggerated as cut off temps. Also remember as it's on my windowsill it may have gone to 5c or maybe even lower, but it also had higher humidity than outside so that helped it.