Choose which Rhynchostylis I get

[Shadeflower]

LR, have you ever grown a Vanda or a Rhynchostylis with semi-hydro?

It is very different to growing a phal or most other orchids in semi hydro.

The first time I tried the existing roots did not adapt well and died. Like you hear Ray explain about roots not adapting when being changed to an inorganic media and this is especially true for Vanda's.

Once new roots have grown they can adapt to semi hydro and our climate but when a vanda first arrives it is stressed so it can take a few months for new roots to grow. You don't want all your existing roots not making it.

From the size of the plants the left one has already been grown in the UK for at least a year, the right one still has fragile roots that would all not adapt in s/h so looking at the picture I would say the left one should be ok but I'd be very careful with the right one till some new roots have grown in.

If you want to know how I grow mine without experiencing any root loss you'll have to pm me but I won't post my method publicly till I know I can get mine to flower.

[Clawhammer]

I would have strongly advised against unmounting and I think its a bad idea to put them in s/h. All those nice roots will rot.

They are your plants and you get to do what you want with them but just be ready for a long and painful conversion period.

[WaterWitchin]

LongRoots, I grow almost everything in SH, and I'm with ShadeFlower on this one. If you've grown rhynchostylis or vanda in semi-hydro successfully and have experience with growing them that way, that's great.

If you haven't, I'd only start with one of them, and would choose the larger of the two with all the new root tips. Have you transferred to SH before by the method of using a very tall pot (which you'll need for this one anyway) and starting it by not filling up all the way, then slowly adding in more LECA as the newer growths are adapting to the pot?

Having said that, I've only grown a few vanda, and never in SH. Mine are in vase method now that they don't travel outside during the summer.

[Longroots]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

starting it by not filling up all the way, then slowly adding in more LECA

That seems like a brilliant idea! So place the plant where it will be positioned in the pot, but only partly fill the pot, then over time continue to fill it and slowly submerge the roots. Thanks

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by Longroots

That seems like a brilliant idea! So place the plant where it will be positioned in the pot, but only partly fill the pot, then over time continue to fill it and slowly submerge the roots. Thanks

I'm glad you understood, because didn't think I was explaining it well. I use that method for roots with similar form/texture, such as brassavola, some Blc's, thicker/heavier rooted plants that like to do the wet/dry thing often. It helps to transition with less shock and root loss.

---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 PM ----------

PS And I'll be interested to see how it goes, so please come back and share after you decide to go forward,

[Longroots]

I've started the transition. Maybe in 2 weeks I'll add a handful more leca. I've been struggling to keep up with watering, not wetting the leaves and keeping the temps suitable as mounted plants. A couple of bacterial rot spots turned up as I accidentally kept getting water on the leaves so I'm glad that the hassle with the large one is seeing the beginning of the end.