S/H question

[grandmapenguin]

To S/H users. Recently I read the process someone uses of every few days they aerate their S/H Orchids. I have been doing this and they love it.

Now the question
I'm going to be away for possibly a little over two weeks.
Can I just turn out the lights and leave them as I'm going to do with my other regular potted Chids Woiuld this be too long without aerating
Terry

[Bird Song Farm]

Can't answer your question Terry, but, would like to hear more about the aerating when you have time.
AL

[patticake]

I'm not sure I know what you mean. I'm pretty new to s/h. I just keep mine watered. I would love to hear more!

[grandmapenguin]

I just do what two other people said they do. I take the Orchid in the S/H and hold my finger over the holes. If you are using S/H you probably have the pots with two centrally located holes next to each other. so blocking them off is easy.

I then pour my liquid (I use Worm Tea) to the very top. I hold it for anywhere from 1-2 minutes and then let it run out. I try to get to it every two days but sometimes it's three. They seem to love it and are doing quite well.

But of course my question now is if they can be without this aerating for over two weeks

[Brooke]

I assume by aerating the roots you mean getting oxygen to the roots. Anytime you water something in a pot, in s/h, in the ground, the roots are being aerated by the action of the water traveling down drawing the oxygen in at the same time.

I would run a test to see how long it takes for the reservoir to become totally dry.

Brooke

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Brooke

I assume by aerating the roots you mean getting oxygen to the roots. Anytime you water something in a pot, in s/h, in the ground, the roots are being aerated by the action of the water traveling down drawing the oxygen in at the same time.


Brooke

Ahhhhh, just knocked my head against the wall. I thought there was some strange or wonderful way to get air to the roots...........I was picturing going from plant to plant with an air hose........

Al

[Ray]

Assuming you have used a reasonably uniformly-sized grade of LECA, and it's sized right for the plants' roots, there is probably more natural air flow into a S/H pot that into "normal" media.

[grandmapenguin]

I bought it from you Ray and it's great.

What a fun way to grow Orchids.