My new Den

[Orchid_lady]

Got a new den for 9 bucks. Looks healthy and has flowers. The only thing that is bothering me is that my den has very dark green roots. I know that they are suppost to have white roots but I dont know about dark green. Another thing is, I dont recognized the type of medium that the plant has. They look like black little rocks that are hard to the touch.

[jerrymeola]

Dark green roots when you have not recently watered is probably algae growth on the surface of the root. It would be a rather healty sign.

You plant is probably in rocks which is my favorite way of growing most orchids. If they are about 1/2 inch or more and heavy they are probably lave rock.

If they are light and float in water they are a commercial hdryoponic clay just like the clay in a flower pot with air blown in it to make it light. Alifor and Hydrokorrel are two brands I use.

The advantages of rock is that it never needs to be changed unlike bark that needs replacing every couple of years. Especially since dens do not like to be repotted Hydroponic rock works very well.

Also you can not overwater rock. It does not hold water and only surface tention reatains any water. Commercial products hold at most 10% water on the surface. You can also water later in the day without the fear of rot. I sometimes have to water at sunset, while not recommended, it is not a problem with hydroponic rocks.

I would not grow the den as a true hydroponic (with a saucer of water under it. I use the stones for drainage. I grow cattleyas the same way.

I do grow phalaenopsis with a saucer for true hdryoponics. I would not use them on Paphs (Lady Slippers) and while they work on oncidiums I prefer sphagnum for oncidium alliance.

Thje disadvantages of hydroponic rocks is that they dry faster (water more ofter) and until the plant is pot bound the plant has a tendancy to fall out of the pot. (use a pot clip or put it where it will not be bumped)

Rocks have no organic value so need to be fertilized regularly. But I also think bark really needs regular fertilizer also.