Phrag question

[myorchid]

I might be getting a phrag (my first) and it is in a pot. I have heard that they can be grown in water.
Can I take it out of the pot and put it in water and will it do OK?
I am very interested in trying to grow an orchid in water.
thanks for the assistance.

I have several paphs but I know that the phrags like it a little more moist than the paphs.

Thanks again.

[WIB]

It depends on the type. The "besseae" variety really go for water, as they grow in and along streams. They certainly like to stand in a saucer of water and might do fine just in water, although that's not the usual way to grow them. The caudatum, lindenii, and walisii types, the ones with Fu Manchu moustache petals, grow in less most conditions. In either case, use really pure water; they don't like high salt content. It doesn't hurt to flush with rainwater or distilled water the next day after fertilizing. I'm getting splendid and vigorous new growth with worm tea.

[jbigio]

When you plant in only water you are reducing the amount of oxygen the roots get. There is a difference between a plant that has roots washed by running water and one thats in standing water.

[jerrymeola]

growing orchids in only water is a recognized method of growing plants.

Phrags should respond best to this growing but almost all orchids can do well in water

I used to grow Paph in only water. The problem was keeping the plant upright in water. And it was necessary to check the plant daily to maintain the water level to the top of the roots.

I switched to hydroponics stone which is the same theory and eliminated the two problems.

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...ght=hydroponic

when growing in all water it is necessary to keep the roots totally under water. fungus does not grow on the roots when in water since fungus needs water and oxygen to grow and there is no oxygen

[jbigio]

Jerry very interesting how long has your oldest paph been in this and what happens when you want to switch back say if you’re selling and need to ship a plant.

[jerrymeola]

The age of my oldest is a mystery since I did not keep any records and sold most of them. I have two inside now for a continuing test. Mostly testing growth in Worm Tea. These I know I started in April.

I ship them potted hydroponically and would not consider re-potting only for shipment. Even re-potting a plant it should not be shipped until it has had a couple of months to adjust.

Too many of the dying Orchids Newbies blame themselves about are the fault of the growers re-potting for sale.