My New Experiment!!!

[peeweelovesbooks]

BACKGROUND:

I've had this Lc. that I bought from SBOE last year. Well, the plant is not big enough to divide, but the pseudobulbs are awkwardly placed. I've had problems finding a proper pot for this thing since I bought it.

The 6" clay pots are too small to accomodate the pb's, but the 8" pots hold too much medium.

I compromised and bought the shallowest 8" pot and put hardly any medium in it. The roots suffered because the pot was still too big. All of a sudden, it started growing roots, but then the roots died back. It made a new growth too, but not much movement. In the meantime, all my other SBOE plants were just chugging along, happily growing.

So, I've been struggling with the plant ever since I got it. About 3 weeks ago, I got tired of just staring at the thing. So, I decided to check the roots. Again, too soggy.

I didn't have any other clay pots; I only had a net pot. So, I was like, what the heck, I'll just use this. I unpotted the orchid, trimmed back the dead roots (again) and potted it in a big 8" net pot with 100% Hydroton. This was 3 weeks ago.

Today I went to check on the plants, and WHAT DID I SEE?


....................................

4 new roots!!!!! HUGE ROOTS. Roots that had wound their way INTO the pot and are now peeking OUT OF THE POT. LIVE ROOTS. ROOTS WITH GREEN TIPS. I picked it up and this damned orchid is growing roots!!!! It is growing additional roots that are just starting!!!!!

So this is my new experiment. I am going to take some orchids and grow them in net pots with 100% hydroton. If I am succesful, I am going to switch everything I can to this method.

So today I bought (20) 5.5 inch heavy duty net pots and (10) 8 inch heavy duty net pots. I'm excited!!!!

[msaar]

Just goes to show, in most cases, there's no one right way to do things. The correct way is the way that works with your environment an habits. Out of curiousity, what is the hybrid, what medium had you been using, and what were your watering habits?

[ezil]

I swear by net pots. They allow for greater aeration, and it's much easier to check on roots. I have the same experience and grow most of my potted plants in them.

[Otis226]

Every now and then, we need to remind ourselves that most of these plants are epiphytes and wanting them to grow in pots with whatever medium is quite unnatural to them. I can see how the additional aeration of a net pot would make the plant, and roots specifically feel more 'at home'.

Good Growing, M
Tony

[WhiteRabbit]

very cool!

... with as dry as it can be here in summer - I'd be afraid the outer areas would be bone dry, while near the center would be still moist - my variation for bigger pots is to use the clay or plastic as I would choose for the plant, then use a smaller net pot overturned inside the bigger pot

[Leafmite]

I've been planning to switch completely to net pots and vanda baskets too! The big switch will be taking place Tuesday! Clay pots are so heavy and the roots tend to cling to them. The orchids I already switched are doing great and I love seeing the roots peek out. Yeah! Good luck with your new setup!
Leafmite

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by msaar

Just goes to show, in most cases, there's no one right way to do things. The correct way is the way that works with your environment an habits. Out of curiousity, what is the hybrid, what medium had you been using, and what were your watering habits?

Hey there, I've been using Hydroton with a clay pot, and had been watering it with my other LC's.

I've been planning to switch completely to net pots and vanda baskets too! The big switch will be taking place Tuesday! Clay pots are so heavy and the roots tend to cling to them. The orchids I already switched are doing great and I love seeing the roots peek out. Yeah! Good luck with your new setup!
Leafmite

thanks!!!

I'm planning on weighing it down with river rock so they don't tip over. Your change sounds exciting too. Good luck!

[nlm2951]

Peeweelovesbooks: Where can I find the net pots? Do u know if Ofe Supply has it. They are having a big sale the weekend of July 15-17 with orchid sale from different grovers.

[peeweelovesbooks]

I would call and check. I bought mine online from a hydroponics supplier. I ordered the "heavy duty" net pots.

I can give you the link if you wish.

Yeah, I'm planning on going to OFE. I didn't go to RF's sale.

[Gin]

I use them a lot with Hydroton as the medium . I buy Waterlily baskets from a store in town usually cheap in the fall have some that are 12 by 12 square on down in size when the roots grow thru the mesh I cut the basket to re- basket them .