S/H Pot Size

[Gail]

I've been reading up on S/H culture and have the supplies, but I still have a question (and probably more).

Am I right in thinking that pot size isn't as critical as with a "normal" medium? Within reason, of course. That the roots don't need to be quite as snug? I ask because I only have a few sizes of containers.

Thanks,

[Ray]

Generally speaking, you are correct, due to the uniform wicking and drying rate of the LECA.,
.


Ray Barkalow
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[Gail]

Thank you for the reply. That also means that, maybe, I won't have to pot up as soon.

[Pilot]

Ray had challenged me a while back to go ahead and grow a phal in a large pot. I grow in glass containers (drilled for sh drainage) but the capacity of the container is roughly 2 gallons. The phal is quite large, however, the root development in this set has been amazing. Search under "phal ember" and you'll see some of my pics.

[Gail]

Wonderful! I was just looking at that large vinegar container and thinking if that top was cut off....

Ryan, you're in Colorado, I'm in Michigan - dry vs. humid summers, but winters are cold and dry in both. How do you treat your Phals in S/H to bring them to bloom? I'm concerned about the cold clay and moist conditions, although, I run most all species of plants dry during winter due to potential rot.

And, oh man, do I need a Phal ember!
Thanks,

[floradude]

For those of use who cannot work with glass what do we use for plastic containers for those large plants. I get them growing SIH and then they outgrow my plastic containers.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by Gail

Wonderful! I was just looking at that large vinegar container and thinking if that top was cut off....

Ryan, you're in Colorado, I'm in Michigan - dry vs. humid summers, but winters are cold and dry in both. How do you treat your Phals in S/H to bring them to bloom? I'm concerned about the cold clay and moist conditions, although, I run most all species of plants dry during winter due to potential rot.

And, oh man, do I need a Phal ember!
Thanks,

Sorry this fell thru my scan.

I don't do any special for my plants. I grow under lights in an enclosed area and just let them grow. I will manipulate the lights to simulate a change in season and it seems to work.

[Bud]

for those who cannot drill on glass....you can use a Chinese soup take out container, gallon ice cream plastic containers or a gallon plastic jug by cutting the top and making holes on the sides and under the jug....use a pail or a basin to contain the water....flushing these large ones can be hard= might need a hose to get rid of the debris and algae formations....

[Ray]

Exactly. The very first container in the current configuration was actually from bringing home won ton soup!

Any plastic container can be used.


Ray Barkalow
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[Paddle_grl]

I have had more luck with smaller containers as of lately. I've actually re potted most of my phal's to plastic colorful drinking glasses. I find my little clay balls don't pack in so tightly and allow more room for air flow. I'm in Michigan and I don't do anything different for them in the winter. They stay in the kitchen window all year. (I have some under lights) but most are in an East facing window with not that much light, surprisingly, they are doing better there than they ever were under lights in an ideal environment. As for getting them to bloom, I've found that out of my 13 or so phal's, they all bloom on their own schedule. I have one that blooms all year, one two that bloom in February, one that blooms in August, and one that blooms in the fall. ( a couple others haven't bloomed yet, so I have no idea). I've used freezer containers, 2 liter pop bottles, 20oz pop bottles, plastic coffee containers...you name it! Mainly because I come home with a rescue and have to scramble to find something to pot it in.