What now?

[eager2learn]

> but I see that there are still a number of aspects that I can improve on.

like what?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by eager2learn

> but I see that there are still a number of aspects that I can improve on.

like what?

Humidity is much too low in the winter (25%). Not a problem for the big supermarket noid Phals and other complex hybrids generally, but I have some species which would do better with higher humidity.

I'm not very good at remembering to fertilize regularly (I have a long daily commute, so I'm often tired and can't be bothered to measure out fertilizer, telling myself I'll do it next time, and then next time).

Other things are more specific to a type of orchid: I still have a tendency to underwater Oncidium types, for fear of rotting the roots. My Paphs are growing very well, but only blooming every 2-3 years, which tells me that I'm missing something in their culture.

[eager2learn]

> I'm not very good at remembering to fertilize regularly (I have a long daily commute, so I'm often tired and can't be bothered to measure out fertilizer, telling myself I'll do it next time, and then next time).

is there something wrong with pre-mixing it? for example taking an empty 1 gallon water bottle and pre-mixing it for 1 gallon of water so you have enough for several feedings. would it go bad?

[Dollythehun]

I often do that. But it can precipitate, clump into tiny particles, in the jug. You have to shake well before you pour. However, with just an orchid orchid or two it wouldn't save much time.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

I often do that. But it can precipitate, clump into tiny particles, in the jug. You have to shake well before you pour. However, with just an orchid orchid or two it wouldn't save much time.

That is exactly what I do. I have over 30 phalaenopsis now, and I premix a weak solution of fertilizer, in gallon jugs. I keep six always on hand on a strip warmer so that when I water, the water is warm or close to room temperature, not cold. And yes shaking the jugs makes sure nothing will have settled on the bottom. But I have to say, if you only have one or a few, this could be an unnecessary step.

[eager2learn]

i got this idea from the repotting video. they used a square glass pot with lyca balls. i did it a little different.

hey i put my orcid in a glass fishbowl w/ orchid bark mix from home depot (i used the bark because it has built-in fertilizer) because

a) stable base that won't fall over
b) clear and see through so I can see the roots
c) aesthetically appealing

but it has disadvantages.
a) no air holes on the bottom of the pot
b) uneven 'drying out' period

my solution is to drill holes

tools i have at my disposal for this project
a) a drill

bottom-line:
is it possible to drill holes in glass?
has anyone ever drilled holes into glass?
can a regular drill be used (battery powered)?
what drill-bit did you use?
how did you do it?
what tools did you use?
what gloves?

thanks

(forgive my grammar and sentence structure violations)

---------- Post added at 12:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:03 AM ----------

also i know don't use wood sticks because itll rot but its just for now

[jcec1]

Originally Posted by eager2learn

i got this idea from the repotting video. they used a square glass pot with lyca balls. i did it a little different.

hey i put my orcid in a glass fishbowl w/ orchid bark mix from home depot (i used the bark because it has built-in fertilizer) because

a) stable base that won't fall over
b) clear and see through so I can see the roots
c) aesthetically appealing

but it has disadvantages.
a) no air holes on the bottom of the pot
b) uneven 'drying out' period

my solution is to drill holes

tools i have at my disposal for this project
a) a drill

bottom-line:
is it possible to drill holes in glass?
has anyone ever drilled holes into glass?
can a regular drill be used (battery powered)?
what drill-bit did you use?
how did you do it?
what tools did you use?
what gloves?

thanks

(forgive my grammar and sentence structure violations)

---------- Post added at 12:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:03 AM ----------

also i know don't use wood sticks because itll rot but its just for now

The easiest thing to do is buy a clear plastic pot that will sit in the fishbowl that you are using. It will be a lot easier and safer.

The other option is to take all the bark out, don't drill the bowl, but instead grow the plant bareroot - you then fill the bowl with either water or fertiliser solution once or twice a week and soak the plant for an hour or so. Look up the thread "vandas in glass vases" for more information.

However, as has been recommended before try and master the basics which would be in a pot with bark before embarking on other techniques.

[greenpassion]

Eager to learn, I sort of feel like the more you mess with this plant the longer it's going to take it to be able to establish itself regardless. Yes you can drill holes in glass, I've done it many times when I used to grow my orchids in sh. I now grow in clear plastic pots and chunky bark. As suggested previously, this would be my advice to you. Until you are a much more experienced grower, the simpler or less complicated, the better.

[eager2learn]

greenpassion,

what do u mean by the plant establishing itself?

[Dollythehun]

Simply put, like you get established in your new home, plants do the same. They kinda nestle in.