S/h newbie question.

[OfLeafandLimb]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have to disagree.

The ideal time to move a plant into semi-hydroponics is just when new roots are emerging from the base of the plant, NOT when existing roots begin a growth spurt.

This plant had put out new roots from the base plant, from the looks of the roots in the picture, which became detached. Now that those have broken off, the existing roots will help the plant survive, though they won't adapt very well to s/h culture.

The plant is probably about to put out replacement roots, since it is spring. You're correct that it is possibly a little early to move it at the moment, but it probably won't be long before it has new roots growing from the base.

[DelawareJim]

Originally Posted by OfLeafandLimb

This plant had put out new roots from the base plant, from the looks of the roots in the picture, which became detached. Now that those have broken off, the existing roots will help the plant survive, though they won't adapt very well to s/h culture.

The plant is probably about to put out replacement roots, since it is spring. You're correct that it is possibly a little early to move it at the moment, but it probably won't be long before it has new roots growing from the base.

I think you're misunderstanding what Ray is saying. The new roots he refers to are the root nubbins just emerging from the rhizome of a sympodial plant like a Cattleya or around the base of a monopodial plant like a Phal. The roots in the picture are clearly not like that.

You want roots like this:



Cheers.
Jim