New to semi-hydro - my experience so far

[estación seca]

Most Vandas don't grow much in cool temperatures. The evaporative cooling with S/H further cools them. If you could provide bottom heat, your Vanda might be happier.

[cherylsultzer]

I also am in the process of switching to s/h, I have them in terra cotta pots with Leca, sitting in a bowl of water do you have water in your outer pots and if so to what depth is it ? Thanks in advace

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by cherylsultzer

I also am in the process of switching to s/h, I have them in terra cotta pots with Leca, sitting in a bowl of water do you have water in your outer pots and if so to what depth is it ? Thanks in advace

The height of the water is going to depend on pot size, pot shape, LECA size, bowl size, RH, etc. You should mock up your pot/bowl set up and try different water levels. You want to see the water wick (not saturate) to the top level of the LECA and let it lower as days pass. You don't want the set up to completely dry out, you need to flush or top off every week but never dry out.

I mostly use net pots in solo cups and this is how I established the water line. Hope that helps.

---------- Post added at 11:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------

camille1585, should the last two posts be moved to a new thread?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

The height of the water is going to depend on pot size, pot shape, LECA size, bowl size, RH, etc. You should mock up your pot/bowl set up and try different water levels. You want to see the water wick (not saturate) to the top level of the LECA and let it lower as days pass.

Ideally, the "wet line" should never be lower than the top of the medium, but your growing conditions may not allow that to happen.

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

You don't want the set up to completely dry out, you need to flush or top off every week but never dry out.

NEVER just "top up" the reservoir. That's the best way to accelerate buildup and eventually harm your plants.

[cherylsultzer]

Thank y’all for the great info! I think I can now do this!!

[SundayGardener]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Most Vandas don't grow much in cool temperatures. The evaporative cooling with S/H further cools them. If you could provide bottom heat, your Vanda might be happier.

I don't have vandas in SH, but I do have plants in SH that prefer warmth. The challenge I ran into with having pots in saucers on heating mats is that the heating doesn't seem to get through the saucer to the pot where the water remains on the cool side. I don't use clay, but I have all my plastic tubs in a saucer or on a plate because SH tends to be drippy especially when you remove the pots for flushing and then replace them.

[IngieBee]

Originally Posted by Ray

One thing that jumps out is that the plants appear to be potted too deeply. You want the bases of the plants right at the medium surface, not below it.

At this point, you may safely grasp the plant, and while jostling the pot a bit, pull up gently on the plants to the proper position.

You may find that the plants will be a bit wobbly (precisely why most folks plant too deeply), so stake the plants until they "lock in" with their root system.

Hi Ray, I know this is an old post I came across while reading this lovely log, but this is an issue I've been wondering about. My orchids are newly transplanted about 2 months ago to present and I decided to put them a bit low in the media to be sure the roots are within the moist media and not so dry, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Is this a mistake? Thanks!

I pulled them up a bit, just in case.

@flowerpower thank you so much for this blog, it's really helpful to read other people's experience especially over time! Thanks again!

[Ray]

Originally Posted by IngieBee

Hi Ray, I know this is an old post I came across while reading this lovely log, but this is an issue I've been wondering about. My orchids are newly transplanted about 2 months ago to present and I decided to put them a bit low in the media to be sure the roots are within the moist media and not so dry, about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Is this a mistake? Thanks!

I pulled them up a bit, just in case.

It depends. (Wow! Is that used a lot in orchid growing or what?)

If your environment is such that the LECA surrounding the base of the plant dries quickly, it's not likely going to be an issue. If it's stays wet, then it might lead to rot.

[IngieBee]

Originally Posted by Ray

It depends. (Wow! Is that used a lot in orchid growing or what?)

If your environment is such that the LECA surrounding the base of the plant dries quickly, it's not likely going to be an issue. If it's stays wet, then it might lead to rot.

Cool, thank you so much. I'll keep an eye on them, and already lifted them a little bit