Bamboo skewers and watering frequency - Orchid Board

SoCalOrchidMan · #1 09-03-2011, 02:40 AM

Hi Everyone.
I was having difficulty knowing when to water. Briefly, grow Cattleyas in a greenhouse in So California in both clay and plastic pots, bark and crushed brick. (I like to experiment). The advice I received here was to try bamboo skewers; to pull one out and touch to upper lip and with the slightest of moisture, do not water. What I found is that I must of been watering too frequently. because the skewers stay moist for sometimes as long as 8 days maybe more. It almost kills me to let my plants go for such a long time because there are lots roots crawling around the pot and on the surface that I know dry out much quicker than those in the mix. But I am holding back the water. My two questions are:
How are these roots that are not down into the media staying alive and will they stay healthy?
And does what I am doing sound ok? Does 8 days of moisture in a 4 inch plastic pot with bark sound about right? Anyone with helpful advice, please comment. Thanks.

Wjs2nd · #2 09-03-2011, 02:58 AM

Orchids will grow air roots that deal better growing in the air with less water. Although, I'm sure you could mist the top of the pots. As for you second question, I'm not really to sure. I know there are people who only have to water once a week so I'm guessing 8 days isn't a big deal.

Bud · #3 09-03-2011, 03:28 AM

Dude, you live in SoCal....the atmosphere in there will make your plant survive even if you dont water it. The reason the roots are out is because it is drinking from the air...you have the correct humidity for orchids.
Do not worry about 8 days...just water as needed. You are doing it right...trust your skewer

WhiteRabbit · #4 09-04-2011, 12:41 AM

you can spritz any roots that aren't in the media - just be careful to avoid wetting the media much

I'm in San Jose, usually quite warm and dry here in summer (tho at night temp drops and humidity rises a fair amount) - been a bit cooler and moister than usual this year - watering most Catts and Laelias about once a week I think

camille1585 · #5 09-04-2011, 08:00 AM

I was going to say the same about misting. I very often mist the top of the medium and the air roots on my orchids (I have mostly Phals) between waterings. That way the top isn't too dry by the time the rest of the pot has dried out enough to water again.

tucker85 · #6 09-04-2011, 09:28 AM

In nature cattleyas can go for long periods with only the morning dew on the roots and moisture in the air to provide water. Misting the aerial roots in the morning can simulate that environment. The season is important also. Misting every other morning during active growth is probably fine, but catts like to be pretty dry during the short days of winter. My personal feeling is that eight days is a little too long for a cattleya to stay wet. I prefer the medium to dry in about 4 days. You can always change the medium or pot type to achieve faster drying. It's good to experiment like you said you're doing. Everyone's environment is a little different and I'm sure you will find the techniques that work best for you. Good luck.

Otis226 · #7 09-04-2011, 12:38 PM

I have some catts growing in a CHC, (coco chips) and LECA mix that can sometimes go longer than a week before I feel its dry enough to soak again. I do mist the tops almost daily however and here where I live humidity doesn't usually dip below 40%. I don't think 8 days is unreasonable. Do you have automatic misters in your GH? What is your average RH in there?
Tony

SoCalOrchidMan · #8 09-04-2011, 06:32 PM

The relative humidity can vary tremendously. On the coast mornings can be cool and foggy. It heats up to about 90 and misters run under the benches once or twice during the afternoon. So I think humidity either excessive or too dry is not an issue. I have lived in Florida...our humidity never approaches yours on a summer day. I don't miss having that Phytophora/ black rot on my plants. Thanks for your input.