#1   Report Post  
Old 26-05-2003, 09:08 AM
Geir Harris Hedemark
 
Posts: n/a
Default SH question

I have a number of epidendrums keikis and a dendrobium in SH
culture. The Dend. is in a clay pot, the epis are in smallish plastic
pots.

The dend. seems to enjoy life. The epis have stopped growing. I think
it may be caused by them staying wet too long (well over one
week). The pots have holes 1cm/0.5in up the sides, I never leave any
standing water in them. Only one type of expanded clay pellets are
available locally. I need to exchange the pellets after about three
months because of algae buildup which clogs the holes in the pot. The
roots of the keikis that are in the bottom have started turning
brown. Wether this is rot or dust from the pellets, I don't know. The
pellets dry out about 4cm/1.5in down before I need to water again
because the leaves on top have gone limp. The roots go about 10cm/4in
down into the pot, but seem to want to spread out instead of going
down.

I see this as a problem - is it?

Are there any tricks that will allow the pellets to dry out faster?

Geir

  #2   Report Post  
Old 26-05-2003, 01:56 PM
Kenni Judd
 
Posts: n/a
Default SH question

Exchange the plastic pots for clay orchid pots, they will dry out faster.

--
Kenni Judd
Juno Beach Orchids

http://www.jborchids.com
"Geir Harris Hedemark" wrote in message
...
I have a number of epidendrums keikis and a dendrobium in SH
culture. The Dend. is in a clay pot, the epis are in smallish plastic
pots.

The dend. seems to enjoy life. The epis have stopped growing. I think
it may be caused by them staying wet too long (well over one
week). The pots have holes 1cm/0.5in up the sides, I never leave any
standing water in them. Only one type of expanded clay pellets are
available locally. I need to exchange the pellets after about three
months because of algae buildup which clogs the holes in the pot. The
roots of the keikis that are in the bottom have started turning
brown. Wether this is rot or dust from the pellets, I don't know. The
pellets dry out about 4cm/1.5in down before I need to water again
because the leaves on top have gone limp. The roots go about 10cm/4in
down into the pot, but seem to want to spread out instead of going
down.

I see this as a problem - is it?

Are there any tricks that will allow the pellets to dry out faster?

Geir




  #3   Report Post  
Old 26-05-2003, 03:08 PM
Ray @ First Rays Orchids
 
Posts: n/a
Default SH question

If you let the medium dry out, then you are not growing in semi-hydroponics!
What you are doing is merely growing in LECA using "normal" culture.

If you try to do S/H but let it dry, then your plants won't develop the root
cell structure needed to survive, and they will rot. The idea is to get
them to grow roots accustomed to the constantly damp but airy conditions.

If your epi's developed the correct kind of roots but are now rotting, it is
likely due to insufficient warmth.

--

Ray Barkalow First Rays Orchids
http://www.firstrays.com
Secure Online Ordering & Lots of Free Info!


"Geir Harris Hedemark" wrote in message
...
I have a number of epidendrums keikis and a dendrobium in SH
culture. The Dend. is in a clay pot, the epis are in smallish plastic
pots.

The dend. seems to enjoy life. The epis have stopped growing. I think
it may be caused by them staying wet too long (well over one
week). The pots have holes 1cm/0.5in up the sides, I never leave any
standing water in them. Only one type of expanded clay pellets are
available locally. I need to exchange the pellets after about three
months because of algae buildup which clogs the holes in the pot. The
roots of the keikis that are in the bottom have started turning
brown. Wether this is rot or dust from the pellets, I don't know. The
pellets dry out about 4cm/1.5in down before I need to water again
because the leaves on top have gone limp. The roots go about 10cm/4in
down into the pot, but seem to want to spread out instead of going
down.

I see this as a problem - is it?

Are there any tricks that will allow the pellets to dry out faster?

Geir



  #4   Report Post  
Old 26-05-2003, 03:32 PM
Geir Harris Hedemark
 
Posts: n/a
Default SH question

"Ray @ First Rays Orchids" writes:
If your epi's developed the correct kind of roots but are now rotting, it is
likely due to insufficient warmth.


Then that is probably the problem. I will try punching a hole or two
extra in the sides of the pots for a bit more air circulation, and
placing them in a slightly warmer location. They are close to a cold
concrete wall right now.

Geir

Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Question re Mulch and a St. Augustine Grass question. Ronn Cliiborn Lawns 0 23-08-2006 07:16 PM
Good morning or good evening depending upon your location. I want to ask you the most important question of your life. Your joy or sorrow for all eternity depends upon your answer. The question is: Are you saved? It is not a question of how good [email protected] United Kingdom 0 22-04-2005 05:07 AM
One Orchid Question and an OT Question About Nepenthes Shell Orchids 34 15-11-2004 12:09 AM
Winterizing Question...Question 1 of x BenignVanilla Ponds 1 08-09-2003 07:22 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:09 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 GardenBanter.co.uk.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about Gardening"

 

Copyright © 2017