Best orchids for no potting media?

[Arizona Jeanie]

Personally, I don't rotate any of the phals. When I move them I try to put them back with the same orientation to the light--wherever it's coming from. The leaves tend to lean toward the light, and the roots go the other way. I put a little clip on the side of the pot that goes toward the light so I don't lose track. My window sills don't get much light in the Fall and Winter, so right now everything is under a florescent grow light. They all go on the screened porch in the summer, but it's too cold now--out on the porch they get a little partial sun in the early morning and late evening. When the flower spike is forming, it's important to not change the light direction, that keeps the flowers from turning all willy-nilly. Otherwise, they don't seem to be picky about the light, fortunately for me!

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I have 2 NOID Phals growing quite well, bare roots without medium in vase culture. After about 1 year, the root mass is approaching a solid cylinder. Excellent way to grow Phals, close to zero root loss!

Ok, I have a phal in a vase, and it has two spikes, which I did not cut off. At first filled the vase with water and let it soak an hour or two and drained it. Repeat daily. The roots were in bad shape going in, with black tips. I did not see any improvement, so last week, I filled it with water, let it set overnight, drained etc. The leaves are getting softer and I don't see any new roots starting...I don't have a lot invested in this and I could pitch it but, I wanted the challenge. What am I doing wrong?

[Roberta]

Patience, patience... you can't draw conclusions about much of any treatment in a week, a month is even pushing it. Anything you do, should be tested for several months at least unless you see serious decline. Orchids do everything slowly. (Unfortunately, even die slowly)

[Ray]

OK. Excuse me, this has evolved to a vase culture thread, but I'm going to go back to the original question: What kinds of orchids are best for no potting media.

The correct answer is "Pretty much all of them," but that assumes the conditions are right.

When asking this sort of question - publicly like this, or to yourself - you MUST think about the conditions and watering you can routinely provide.

The question is far less about the plant than it is about your situation.

[MattWoelfsen]

Originally Posted by Ray

.....
The question is far less about the plant than it is about your situation.

I agree.

[gary710]

thanks.
I've done that but I had one big one that leaned over to the window so much that it actually toppled over and got damaged. that is why I tried to rotate when there is no flower spike.

I also used counter weights on the other side and that kept it going for a couple years.

[Selmo]

Here is dendrobium that is growing with out any thing. Just put a wire on it to hang it. Now it is blooming.