help to Plump Psuedo Bulb

[grandmapenguin]

I wonder if there is a Sure-Fire way to plump up a
few of my 'Chids' Pseudobulbs. My humidity
according to my gauges is normal and I don't
want to over water. how do I get them to plump
up

Terry

[CulpableCaptive]

I don’t have an answer but you read my mind.

I just acquired two Oncidium Alliance ‘throw aways’ that are in dire need of ‘plumping’ – otherwise they look OK? - so I will be glued to this thread.

[jerrymeola]

Many orchids have wrinkled pseudobulbs normally. Older bulbs will shrivel as the plant no longer needs them. Individual pseudobulbs do not live forever.

The new growth is the important growth and shriveled pseudobulbs on new growth indicates insufficient water getting to the plant.

Over watering is not the quantity of water you give the plant when it is watered. I grow outside and rain can last 4-8 hours. When the rain or watering stops the water drains out. The water in the pot 5 minutes after the water stops is the same whether it is 1 minute of watering or 4 hours.

However the really short watering may wet the top of the bark and some roots but may dry before the plant has the ability to move the water to the pseudobulbs. Water goes through the pot on the easiest route. If the watering is a short time, the water may not even touch the roots supporting the shriveled pseudobulb.

I water a minimum of 15 minutes per watering. Cattleya and Oncidium then are left to dry before watering again. I find in Florida heat that this is necessary 2-3 times a week. Phalaenopsis should not be left to dry completely and I may water them every day.

It is unlikely that many people grow in as hot and bright a condition as I use, but the concepts are the same. Determine how often your plants need to be watered for your conditions and then water long and heavy. Soaking is an alternative for a small collection.

[patticake]

Yay, Jerry! I first was afraid of overwatering, and was so sparing, that I almost killed a couple of plants! As Jerry put so well, they need a good soaking, then a quick draining medium so that the roots don't just sit in sogginess.

[CulpableCaptive]

I am speaking of the newest, youngest pseudobulbs and my normal method of watering is to soak – if not every time, most often.
Can I assume all will be well with time?

[patticake]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

I am speaking of the newest, youngest pseudobulbs and my normal method of watering is to soak – if not every time, most often.
Can I assume all will be well with time?

You might want to check the roots. If the surface seems dry, it may still be moist down below. If the roots rot, they can't draw up moisture and you'll have shriveled pb's. http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...f-orchids.html

I'll be back later!

[kid a]

Hmmm.. I have the same problem with a few of my plants lol. I added some sphag around the top roots and put it next to the fan so it dries quick but i can sot everyday

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by patticake

You might want to check the roots. If the surface seems dry, it may still be moist down below. If the roots rot, they can't draw up moisture and you'll have shriveled pb's. http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/new...f-orchids.html

I'll be back later!

What roots? Who said anything about roots. There aren't any.
I found someone throwing these two orchids in the garbage. They must have received them as gifts (in flower) and never watered them.
As I'm sure you know - orchids are air-plants, they don't need to be watered .

[jay]

Living in the desert, I had a very difficult time giving my Oncidium types enough water without overwatering. I did not use Jerry's techniques, which I imagine would have helped.

Instead I switched it to S/H. Here is my most extreme example. This plant was sunburned and severely dehydrated a little over two years ago. It was in the first batch of plants to go into S/H for me. Here it is with before, middle and now photos. I just noticed while watering yesterday that it is starting to spike for the first time in years. I can't wait.

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by jay

Living in the desert, I had a very difficult time giving my Oncidium types enough water without overwatering. I did not use Jerry's techniques, which I imagine would have helped.

Instead I switched it to S/H. Here is my most extreme example. This plant was sunburned and severely dehydrated a little over two years ago. It was in the first batch of plants to go into S/H for me. Here it is with before, middle and now photos. I just noticed while watering yesterday that it is starting to spike for the first time in years. I can't wait.

Those photos pushed me over the edge .
I am such a HUGE advocate of passive-hydroponics and am baffled by the results I get. Those photos you posted are REALLY what happens. It's like orchids on steroids - without the rage.
I see you use the Hydroton (LECA), which I use as well but I also use a smaller aggregate and a larger aggregate. I think I am going to just stick with the LECA from now on .

[jerrymeola]

I am a fan of s/h as long as the plant is not bumped and moved in the pot.

I had a lot of customers that constantly had plants knocked out of the pots and the damage to roots can get extreme. I seriously recommend pot clips for s/h

I like a tray of water under the pots and keep it full with water for Phals and Onc and let it dry a week for Cattleya. It is not necessary to have the tray of water for s/h, but I like it.

I also like clay pots since the pot then is more hydro. It also allows you to see the water evaporate from the top down by watching the color of the pot.

[CulpableCaptive]

Jerry - You had to open your 'BIG FAT TYPING FINGER', didn't you.
I don't ever have a problem with bumping plants out of their pots - NEVER.
After reading the previous post I went to look at my passive-hydro collection and lifted a pot, knocking the orchid out. NO - I don't use clips. I had to replant it.
I come back to orchidgeeks and read your post - THANK YOU VERY MUCH........... I hope you don't think I am going to blame myself yet I have to blame someone.

No damage was done because it's one of the previous orchids I was talking about with shriveled pbulbs and no roots.
I do hope it ends up looking like Jay's beauty.

[PhalPal]

Nice job Jay!!!!! Beautiful results and a testiment to LECA!

[jay]

I agree with Jerry that they can can easily knocked, especially when they are taking hold. But once the roots get all in there, it is just like any other pot. I actually have several that I can pick up by the base of the plant and lift up the whole pot without it coming out at all. The roots have filled so many spaces that it made it nice and snug.

Thanks for the tip Jerry.

[digitalgate]

I can't do what nature does it on it own. I have some Oncidium Grower Ramsey Pb shriveled that i soak for a day and it refuse to plumb up. Then came rain 1 day and the Pb absorb all the water and look fat and healthy. May be it is the humidity play a very important role. It does not matter how long you soak in water. Nature does it in it's own timing.

[grandmapenguin]

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

I am a fan of s/h as long as the plant is not bumped and moved in the pot.

I had a lot of customers that constantly had plants knocked out of the pots and the damage to roots can get extreme. I seriously recommend pot clips for s/h

I like a tray of water under the pots and keep it full with water for Phals and Onc and let it dry a week for Cattleya. It is not necessary to have the tray of water for s/h, but I like it.

I also like clay pots since the pot then is more hydro. It also allows you to see the water evaporate from the top down by watching the color of the pot.

Jerry can you clarify for me
What do you mean a tray of water with gravel

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

What roots? Who said anything about roots. There aren't any.
I found someone throwing these two orchids in the garbage. They must have received them as gifts (in flower) and never watered them.
As I'm sure you know - orchids are air-plants, they don't need to be watered .

[11Orchid126]

You might try misting the bulbs.

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by digitalgate

I can't do what nature does it on it own. I have some Oncidium Grower Ramsey Pb shriveled that i soak for a day and it refuse to plumb up. Then came rain 1 day and the Pb absorb all the water and look fat and healthy. May be it is the humidity play a very important role. It does not matter how long you soak in water. Nature does it in it's own timing.

digi you are so right!!!! I can deep soak my roses for hours with a hose and I don't see a great deal of benefit. One good rain shower and I have fresh new leaves and buds!

[PhalPal]

Captive somehow I just didn't figure you to be much of a dumpster diver!!!!! Good job! Or were they right on top??????

[jay]

Terry, as for the water tray technique and S/H. You can take several pots with holes, or even regular pots. Set the pots into a seedling tray that you can get at a garden store for $2. Keep water in the tray, which will keep water in the bottom of the pots.


____|pot|_____
|____|_|_____|
tray with water

The above picture, although terrible, shows the bottom tray with a pot in it. The whole will be low enough so that when you add water to the tray it will enter the drainage holes for the pot. This is great for large numbers of S/H plants. I have a friend who has nearly a hundred planted like this with great results. Saves time. I hope this explains it a little instead of causing more confusion.

[grandmapenguin]

Originally Posted by jay

Terry, as for the water tray technique and S/H. You can take several pots with holes, or even regular pots. Set the pots into a seedling tray that you can get at a garden store for $2. Keep water in the tray, which will keep water in the bottom of the pots.


____|pot|_____
|____|_|_____|
tray with water

The above picture, although terrible, shows the bottom tray with a pot in it. The whole will be low enough so that when you add water to the tray it will enter the drainage holes for the pot. This is great for large numbers of S/H plants. I have a friend who has nearly a hundred planted like this with great results. Saves time. I hope this explains it a little instead of causing more confusion.

So you are saying NO GRAVEL

[jay]

The LECA would be in the pot. Because the holes are low enough on the pot, water can enter there. In a normal S/H pot, you would just fill until the holes, which are about an inch up from the bottom, overflow. This way, you can overflow them into the tray and have a larger reservoir. this helps so you don't have to water as much because there will be water there longer.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by grandmapenguin

I wonder if there is a Sure-Fire way to plump up a few of my 'Chids' Pseudobulbs.

Excellent culture is more important than plump pseudobulbs. You don't say what like of orchid you have but with good culture, most pseudobulbs will be plump. For some it is normal to be ribbed, bumpy, or wrinkled so it's possible they may not need to be plump. But regardless of the details, excellent culture is the best treatment and prevention I know to most orchid problems.

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

Captive somehow I just didn't figure you to be much of a dumpster diver!!!!! Good job! Or were they right on top??????

You asked - I tell.........

You have got to be joking! "Dumpster Diver! Ha! 'Dumpster Diver' is an understatement. But you are right. People who don't know, don't believe it.
People I know place orders .
I need a new vacuum - canister, if you don't mind.
I've been looking for a vase that is wider at the bottom than the top about 22 inches tall, see what you can do.
I'd like an eight inch fancy Terracotta pot with a Terracotta colored plastic saucer - If it has a compact sanseviaria in it, that would be great.
Silver dish drainer please.
Rice steamer/crock pot, thank you.
And so on.

Since I have a dog, I walk him very late at night (or early morning, depending on how you look at it). In New York people throw things out because they get tired of them or have replaced them - often the object is almost new or never used - box and all. I have given 7 people brand new vacuums - both canisters and uprights. If I tell you why some were disposed of you won't believe it.
Whoever purchased them just assumed ALL vacuums are bag-less. Used it until it was full and threw it out.

I have found at least half of my orchids on the sidewalk at night. Spent blooms, spike in tact. Once they are not in flower any more people throw them away .
When I was in college I had an art teacher who bestowed upon us a bit of wisdom. "Never walk past a pile of garbage or dumpster without at LEAST 'looking'." I never forgot it. And today I have some stunning orchids, incredible pieces of furniture and objet d'art - all because I 'looked' .

I just gave a neighbor an all wood coffee table (obviously made by a craftsman) and stunning BRAND NEW white Chinese six panel screen. They sent me one of the most beautiful thank you cards and note, I have ever received.

You asked - I tell.........

[PhalPal]

That is just incredible!! Not only that some folks will throw out perfectly good things, but that they don't even bother to give it Good Will so someone less fortunate can use it.

I have a friend who is obsessed with antiques. We drove past this house one day and saw this very old, obviously antique, desperately in need of repair dining room set with two leaves and eight chairs. Now, you can't drive around with Anita and not expect to dumpster dive or pick up something on the side of the road. It doesn't happen! Don't get in the car with her if this is below your standards! So we knock on the door of the house and asked the man if he had put it out to be thrown away and he said it was. Hey, the answer is no until you ask, right?? We then asked if he minded if WE took it and he laughed at us and couldn't beleive we could possibly want such a piece of JUNK. We went home, got two SUV's and brought it home to her house. I didn't give it much thought after that.

Come that Thanksgiving, we went to Anita's house for the holiday. She had moved all her furniture out of her dining and living rooms and put out five antique dining room tables with multiple antique candleabras on each one. One of these gorgeous - gorgeous! tables (12 feet long with the leaves) was the one we picked up in front of someones house as gargage. It was just stunning! All she did was numerous but minor repairs, use 'Renew-a-finish on the solid oak (easy!!) and reupholstered the chairs. What a magical room, with no artificial light, just candles and 'trash' tables! How we acquired the one table was a major story for the evening because nobody could believe it, mostly becaue they couldn't believe someone could throw it away!!

One mans trash truly is another mans treasure!!! So 'Geeks - keep 'looking'!!

[grandmapenguin]

You guys are too funny

[CharliesAngel51]

I never throw away anything that is usuable. The Vietnam Vets love me. They get a call from me every couple of months. There are too many people in need to just throw things in the trash. I keep a bag in one of my closets for discards and when it is full they get a call.

[PhalPal]

Originally Posted by CharliesAngel51

I never throw away anything that is usuable. The Vietnam Vets love me. They get a call from me every couple of months. There are too many people in need to just throw things in the trash. I keep a bag in one of my closets for discards and when it is full they get a call.

I totally agree!! I keep a box in a closet and when it is full, I call someone. I don't throw anything away that someone else can use; it is an absolute sin to put it in a landfill. I usually give my housekeepers first pick of clothing and linens. They work so hard and have a lot of kids (they are all Catholic!) My neighbor goes down to Mexico to one of the childrens orphanages about every two months. Those kids have nothing. Nothing!! Sometimes I am absolutely ashamed of the excess clothes, towels and linens I have to give away. I keep my eye out for good sales on childrens clothes and pick up things for them and my neighbor brings it down to them. I would go with her but I just know it would break my heart and I'll come home sobbing. I'll just have to stick with sending down clothes, teddy bears and pillows for now.

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

You asked - I tell.........

You have got to be joking! "Dumpster Diver! Ha! 'Dumpster Diver' is an understatement. But you are right. People who don't know, don't believe it.
People I know place orders .
I need a new vacuum - canister, if you don't mind.
I've been looking for a vase that is wider at the bottom than the top about 22 inches tall, see what you can do.
I'd like an eight inch fancy Terracotta pot with a Terracotta colored plastic saucer - If it has a compact sanseviaria in it, that would be great.
Silver dish drainer please.
Rice steamer/crock pot, thank you.
And so on.

Since I have a dog, I walk him very late at night (or early morning, depending on how you look at it). In New York people throw things out because they get tired of them or have replaced them - often the object is almost new or never used - box and all. I have given 7 people brand new vacuums - both canisters and uprights. If I tell you why some were disposed of you won't believe it.
Whoever purchased them just assumed ALL vacuums are bag-less. Used it until it was full and threw it out.

I have found at least half of my orchids on the sidewalk at night. Spent blooms, spike in tact. Once they are not in flower any more people throw them away .
When I was in college I had an art teacher who bestowed upon us a bit of wisdom. "Never walk past a pile of garbage or dumpster without at LEAST 'looking'." I never forgot it. And today I have some stunning orchids, incredible pieces of furniture and objet d'art - all because I 'looked' .

I just gave a neighbor an all wood coffee table (obviously made by a craftsman) and stunning BRAND NEW white Chinese six panel screen. They sent me one of the most beautiful thank you cards and note, I have ever received.

You asked - I tell.........

One man's trash is another's treasure. I too look, a lot more than most.

[solay]

Why throw it out when you can donate and get a tax write off too?! Plus there's nothing wrong with reusing.

[labney]

We call it recycle. I clean for the rich and you wouldn't beleave some of the nice things they give me..from orchids to cloths..and a screened in back porch with columns which I am waitng for spring..for my hubby to put up..looking for a roof lol

[fred]

I think we have gone a little off topic here
this makes it very hard for the fellow geeks wanting to get the advice for Quote] help to Plump Psuedo Bulb

thanks

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by kmarch

Excellent culture is more important than plump pseudobulbs. You don't say what like of orchid you have but with good culture, most pseudobulbs will be plump. For some it is normal to be ribbed, bumpy, or wrinkled so it's possible they may not need to be plump. But regardless of the details, excellent culture is the best treatment and prevention I know to most orchid problems.

I think 'kmarch' has the ticket.
I forget who it was but only a few days ago someone posted a photo of a sunburned dessicated (cym? or oncydium?) and then a photo of its rebound after being placed in passive-hydro culture - which ended up being ideal culture.
I'd have to agree - good culture - good orchid. The problem may be, finding out what you have and what its most ideal culture would be.
Since I don't know if the pbulbs are supposed to be ideally ribbed, bumpy or wrinkled, on the two I have - my instinct is to think they are going to die any second with shriveled pbulbs.

The photos I am referring to, are in THIS THREAD............... Doh!!!!!

[PhalPal]

Off topic Fred???? Us?? Whatever do you mean???



Edited by Fred]

hehehehe

[moomoos]

Just want to share my own experience regarding plumping pseudobulbs...

I have a bunch of walkeriana seedling I purchased from H&R a year and a half ago. As walkerianas are not a fan of being too wet, I put them in small clay pots with hydroton. They did very well during the winter. During the summer, they were growing nice new growths but the older pbs all got pretty shriveled. I thought this was okay since the new growth was reasonably plump.

Then I went on vacation to Japan for three weeks and had a fellow orchid friend water my plants while I was away. Apparently, he loves to water and during our hot, dry So. Cal summer days he poured water through these pots at least 1-2 times a day giving them a good drink. When I got back, I was shocked to find all my walkerianas had very plump pbs! Only one pb on one plant was too shriveled to make a come back.

During the rest summer after I got back, since I don't water as much, I sometimes leave a clay saucer underneath the pot for these plants so it can continue to drink after watering in the morning. Worked out okay so far.

Given the type of plants, the clay+hydroton, So. Cal's dry summers, this is what I experienced. It was a really big learning experience for me.

[PhalPal]

Nice to know moomoos - Thanks!!!

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by moomoos

Just want to share my own experience regarding plumping pseudobulbs...

I have a bunch of walkeriana seedling I purchased from H&R a year and a half ago. As walkerianas are not a fan of being too wet, I put them in small clay pots with hydroton. They did very well during the winter. During the summer, they were growing nice new growths but the older pbs all got pretty shriveled. I thought this was okay since the new growth was reasonably plump.

Then I went on vacation to Japan for three weeks and had a fellow orchid friend water my plants while I was away. Apparently, he loves to water and during our hot, dry So. Cal summer days he poured water through these pots at least 1-2 times a day giving them a good drink. When I got back, I was shocked to find all my walkerianas had very plump pbs! Only one pb on one plant was too shriveled to make a come back.

During the rest summer after I got back, since I don't water as much, I sometimes leave a clay saucer underneath the pot for these plants so it can continue to drink after watering in the morning. Worked out okay so far.

Given the type of plants, the clay+hydroton, So. Cal's dry summers, this is what I experienced. It was a really big learning experience for me.

'moomoos' - I find this to be a great bit of information.

I have been a bit fearful of using clay pots, Hydroton and passive hydroponics.
Do you ever have problems with fertilizer salt build-up on the pots or mineral build up and how do you handle (take care of) it.
I have a few plants I want to switch over to clay pots and Hydro.....

Do you have any thoughts to my concerns or are my concerns unwarranted?
I'm concerned the salt/mineral build-up on the pot will burn the roots that will touch the pot or the leaves that make contact with the clay pot.

Also, do you plug up the drainage hole so the pot and Hydroton strictly use capillary action. I think not, since you said you water from the top as well. Do I have that right?

I would love to try your idea........

[Brooke]

I'm not moomoos but I grow about 50% of my catts in Prime Agra and clay pots. I do not have salt build up because the pots are flushed thoroughly each watering and then add the fertilizer solution.

The reason it is only 50% of my catts is because I am waiting for the rest of them to need to be repotted and will then switch them over too. You do have to water more often with the pellets as compared to bark.

Brooke

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by Brooke

I'm not moomoos but I grow about 50% of my catts in Prime Agra and clay pots. I do not have salt build up because the pots are flushed thoroughly each watering and then add the fertilizer solution.

The reason it is only 50% of my catts is because I am waiting for the rest of them to need to be repotted and will then switch them over too. You do have to water more often with the pellets as compared to bark.

Brooke

You don't say anything about passive-hydroponics, which is what I was asking about AND what I 'thought' "moomoos" was referencing.
Do you grow your catts in clay pots with Prime Agra as a substrate but water as if they were planted in bark (or some other non-inert medium) or do you use passive-hydroponics?
It's the clay pots/LECA/Passive-Hydroponics combination, I'm concerned about - the part about leaving the saucer underneath the pots filled with water in combination with the other two.
Sorry, I may not have made myself clear OR understood what was being said.

[Brooke]

I'm sorry Culpable to give you useless information. It was my intent to try to help. I am also unsure of your passive hydroponics terminology. I am only familiar with hydroponics - plants grown in an ebb and flow tray. I've grown many plants this way but never an orchid because of possible cross contamination from diseases.

I currently grow many different species in semi-hydroponics with water in the bottom of the container. I've also grown one totally leafless backbulb division of a C. Guatemalensis in this manner in regular (not LECA) lava rock/clay pot sitting in a saucer of water. It produced multiple new growths and now resides with fellow Geek Katrina. The semi-hydroponic containers are still flushed once a week to remove any salts from the evaporating water/fertilizer solution.

Again, my apologies and hopefully moomoos will give you the information you need for your passive hydroponics.

Brooke

[grandmapenguin]

My transplant into Leca has the correct amount of water at the bottom of the Clear pot. The top Leca around the Orchid looks very dry. It has only been two days since the transpalnt. should I water and of course the extra will run off

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by Brooke

I'm sorry Culpable to give you useless information. It was my intent to try to help. I am also unsure of your passive hydroponics terminology. I am only familiar with hydroponics - plants grown in an ebb and flow tray. I've grown many plants this way but never an orchid because of possible cross contamination from diseases.

I currently grow many different species in semi-hydroponics with water in the bottom of the container. I've also grown one totally leafless backbulb division of a C. Guatemalensis in this manner in regular (not LECA) lava rock/clay pot sitting in a saucer of water. It produced multiple new growths and now resides with fellow Geek Katrina. The semi-hydroponic containers are still flushed once a week to remove any salts from the evaporating water/fertilizer solution.

Again, my apologies and hopefully moomoos will give you the information you need for your passive hydroponics.

Brooke

Brooke - Your information was not useless nor did I say it was, I just didn't think I asked what I wanted to know in a way that was understandable. I will try again and explain my terminology as well.

I do not use the terminology "semi-hydroponics®" because it is a fairly new term "invented and copyrighted" by some guy on the Internet.
The proper terminology: passive-hydroponics has been around for thousands of years. I am not in the mood to be slapped with a nasty letter from the "inventor" of the term "semi-hydroponics®" lawyer for NOT giving him credit - or am I willing to give him credit for something that was used by the Incas and Ancient Egyptians.
Anyway, the "semi-hydroponics®" guy, coined a phase, he DID NOT invent the process.

I'll try my question again and hope I can make it sound correct.
I wanted to know if you or anyone else use "semi-hydroponics®" (first and last time I will use that phrase) with porous clay pots. And if you do, is there ever a problem with salt or mineral build up on the pot.

For all I know, you answered my question and I am not getting it. I didn’t mean to imply your response was useless. Sorry.

[digitalgate]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

You asked - I tell.........



You asked - I tell.........

that why they said the street of New York is laden with gold.

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by digitalgate

that why they said the street of New York is laden with gold.

I don't think so - maybe.
I never heard that saying before and I was born here - not that being born here means I should have heard EVERYTHING that has ever been said about NY.
I think it's just that people lose a lot of jewelry.
That, or it sounds better than, "The streets of New York are laden with urine."

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by CulpableCaptive

"The streets of New York are laden with urine."

Eewwwwww.... So anyway....about those pseudobulbs that need plumping up....

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by kmarch

Eewwwwww.... So anyway....about those pseudobulbs that need plumping up....

You must be one of those naughty journalists for the Enquirer.
Taking my quote out of context and then commenting on it.
Shame on you………….

So what about those pbulbs that need pumping? No comment?

[kmarch]

I tried the subtle way and it doesn't seem to have worked, so let me try the direct way. Let's get the thread back on topic please. As for my comments on the pseudobulbs, I've already posted them above.

[CulpableCaptive]

Originally Posted by kmarch

I tried the subtle way and it doesn't seem to have worked, so let me try the direct way. Let's get the thread back on topic please. As for my comments on the pseudobulbs, I've already posted them above.

...and I've already read them. Thank you. I found your post very helpful on how to plump up pbulbs. I will use it as a future reference.
I hope you don't mind? - I copied your input and added it to my orchid file.

[moomoos]

Hi Culpable,

I've never heard of "passive hydroponics" before. I have my walkers in clay pots with the hole in the bottom and only hydroton as the media in the clay pot. I sometimes (during really hot weeks) in the summer leave little saucers underneath these pots so they can get more water. Most of the time, there are no saucers and I just pour water through the pot when I water using a watering can. I've had no issues with salt build up. I throw in a little bit of those grey looking fertilizer pellets (just a few) into the pot in spring. Lastly, I occasionally (very rarely though because I'm pretty lazy) water using a mix of 3/4 DI water + 1/4 tap water + maybe a bit of liquid fertilizer. I think all the flushing of the pot prevents salt build up.

I mainly grow catts that like or prefer a dry winter or just like to dry out quickly like this. The watering thing came later as I learned about how much water they like during summer.

Hope this helps...

[moomoos]

Oh, just to clarify... during the hot weeks, I don't leave the saucers on the bottom of any particular plant for weeks at a time (max one or two days). I have a few saucers and I alternate between plants during these periods. I guess this way, they are getting a lot of flushing of water from just the regular watering (every morning in the summer) so maybe that's why I've never had issues with salt.

[CulpableCaptive]

Thanks 'moomoos' - You are perfectly clear.
Since you have your 'chids in clay pots with inert medium and water 'as usual', you are flushing the pot and medium at every watering - keeping the buildup of mineral salts down to a minimum or non-existent.
Now that you have explained your technique, I will try it with two three inch clay pots I have, which I have drilled air holes up the sides.
If I flush and/or soak the pots and medium at each watering and before fertilizing, there should not be a problem with salt build-up.
This is very helpful because I have had leaves burn which have made contact with the salts on the clay pots in the past so I have avoided clay - using plastic exclusively.
I'll start out with two clay pots and follow your habits and see if I am as successful as you are.
The 'lazy' part I am already an expert at .