My newest s/h project

[Sugar Magnolia]

So, I moved up to glass now. I'm glad I started with some dollar store finds(hard plastic cups) and fixed some mistakes. Initially, I was so scared about not enough airflow that I made so many holes, which actually inhibits the wicking action because it evaporates before reaching the roots. Oh well, it's in the past.
I got this glass drill bit set from someone on ebay for about $10 with shipping.

My brother and I faught (and giggled) over drilling methods, but in the end I won. Small ones we did in the sink, larger ones in the bathtub, and the squares I did by myself another day. They were submerged under water about 1/2 inch from the surface with a small towel under them as a cushion. I don't have pics of the actual process, as we were laughing so much we had to try to brace ourselves as we played with electricity and water. Did I mention we wore the silliest looking glasses ever? Always gotta use safety glasses.
Here's some that I have yet to do. I paid $2-$10 for each. Fyi, Marshalls and Walmart have some very pretty and cheap vases!


One hole in each..


My glass potted s/h orchids..


This next one I did about 2 months ago. All the leaves on the right show improper watering, which is why I chose to use s/h. The new leaves on the left almost look like a completely different plant! I am so proud of her!


..and off the subject, here is Kioko playing on Orchidgeeks.


This is my most favoritest growing method! A little more work in the beginning makes everyday so much easier! Oh, and the first s/h round with too many holes... I just threw some tape over the holes til I get around to drilling more glass. They, too, are doing amazing!

[koshki]

Sugar,
Your pots look great! And the plants! Thanks for the excellent idea.

[oncidiumlover]

Great job, they look fabulous!!

[RMW]

Nice job. They look very nice.

[Zsophia]

Very nice! So far I was only drilling my clay pots, but this looks so great I have to try some. What is the name of the drill bits?

[davetheorchidaddict]

They look nice but I have some questions about them. Do you have holes in the bottom for additional drainage? If you do not you will need to insure that anything you plant in them likes wet feet because there will always be water in the bottom and most orchids like to dry out completely between waterings. Another point is air around the roots, they like that and will not get it through the glass. You know there always has to be a wet blanket and I fill that role now. It is good thinking but more holes are needed.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Dave, there are no drainage holes in the bottom of these. Poopin' on my parade I see? lmao.... I thought the SAME thing.
The first batch I did I made a bunch of holes and the plants were not getting nearly enough water, a few months ago I scotch taped all the holes on every cup except for one hole each. They flourished. (All different orchids.)
About two months ago, I repotted 4 into the glass with one hole each. These 4 are water lovers (Phrags and an Encyclia cochleata).
Recently I did two more. I still have the same concerns about the airflow that I did in the beginning -just like you are saying, but this is the first time I'm not losing any orchids and they are actually doing better.
I dunno... if it ain't broke..
I'll keep ya posted if any go downhill, and I can always drill more holes

Originally Posted by Zsophia

Very nice! So far I was only drilling my clay pots, but this looks so great I have to try some. What is the name of the drill bits?

It took me about an hour to find them on ebay again. I think this guy is hiding them. lol. Here's the link, they were $12 with shipping.
10pcs 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12mm Diamond coated drill bit - eBay (item 280419538782 end time Dec-05-09 06:22:23 PST)

[patticake]

Don't put holes in the bottom! For s/h- this is how it's done! I'm still on the plastic dollar store containers! I have some of them that look like cut glass, and a friend drills the holes with a dremmel tool so the plastic doesn't crack. Many orchids have roots that will grow into the water like that. It doesn't seem right, I know. With S/H, if you have bottom drainage, the clay won't stay damp enough and the plants would croak. The plants that need it a little drier, are in the taller containers, and those that like it more moist, are in the shorter containers. (closer to the water reservoir)

I think you've done an outstanding job! Keep us posted.

[syndywindy]

They look great. I'll be watching to see how they do with glass.

[Rivka]

looks great! i have been going glass with my s/h too and i love it.

yeah dave you can read up on this method, she is doing it exactly right, the plants get tons of air that gets pulled down when she flushes water thru and just enough water as it wicks up the clay pellets.
in mine i was drilling holes at first and now am testing out nesting nice crystal clear deli containers is matched size glass. i have holes in the deli bottoms and not the glass. that way i can use the glass to soak all the leca when watering and then just lift the plastic to drain. i can dump out and clean the glass and then refill to just the level i like and then replace the plastic. I'll write more on it soon and get some pictures posted.