Skewers Rock!!!!

[tizzycat]

A few weeks ago I spotted some skewers in the supermarket and decided (out of interest) to have a go with Cynthia's Skewer Method.

Absolutely Brilliant I came back from a week in Portugal last Thursday evening, and had naturally watered the 'chids before going away. When I returned the pots felt light and I would probably have gone ahead and watered but........... on checking the skewers in the larger pots the tips were still damp, cold to the touch and smelled earthy, and still are on - the
11th day

The weather started to become more autumnal two or three weeks ago and the skewers have really highlighted how quickly the watering requirements also change. It becomes a necessary habit to water on a weekly basis (and more often for some types) during the summer months. I would probably normlly water every 10 days to two weeks in the winter, but not made the transition quite so quickly so the skewers have really proved their worth for the inbetween period, and I plan to leave them right where they are.

[jbigio]

I’ve been reading about this for awhile now the skewer are they like the long ones you find in the markets that look like long toothpicks? You leave them in the pot and just pull then out?

[Sharyn]

Originally Posted by jbigio

are they like the long ones you find in the markets that look like long toothpicks? You leave them in the pot and just pull then out?

Yes jbigio. You can usually find them in the grocery stores and/or dollar stores for about $1 a package. Hardware & drugstores carry them in the summer time near the BBQ supplies. Leave the stick in the pot. When checking the moisture, try to place the skewer back into the same place to avoid damaging roots. If the skewer discolors badly or you see a bit of mold on the wood, soak in a mild bleach solution or replace.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I found some nice short ones at a cooking related store in a mall. I prefer not to handle the business end before insertion to keep it sterile, and this way I don't have to break them shorter which requires handling.

[PhalPal]

tizzy - here is the link for more info on the skewer method. I just love it, especially when I am learning a new orchid or medium. Another little tip - I like to 'roll' the skewer between my fingers while I am inserting it (slowly) into the mix. When the wood meets with a root, it bounces off to the side of it rather then punching a hole right through it.
Skewer use for watering of orchids