S/H Catts?

[-k-]

After months of contemplation and reading and more contemplation I decided to dabble in S/H. Since my luck with Catts has been hit or miss I would like my first candidate or victim to be a Catt. Saw a cheap "o" one in a local nursery.

Anyone have luck with Catts in S/H, anything in particular I should look out for? I feel confident I've done enough research to get it going but before I do I wanted to consult the geeks...

Thank you,
-K-

[madphrag]

I have 2, (C. Carl Hausermann and Lc. Betty Ford 'York") that are doing very well in S/H. They won't like it a first, but once they adapt they will love it! I use PrimeAgra.

[jowben1]

I have about 85 out of about 100 of my chids,(mostly Phals. & Catts.) in SH. The only ones that are not converted, are those in spike, or sheath. (My avatar is one), Bc.Hawaiian Agenda 'Florida Winter'. I got it in early November, switched it right away, and it had it's 1/st bloom in late January.(3 more buds to go)

[-k-]

Ok, sweet... Guess it's safe to say Catts are a good candidate! I imagine the transition would put some stress on the plant and anticipate this. Anything found to help lessen the tansition stress, outside of providing the proper growing environment?

[janet_a]

i repotted an Lc last year; whacked off the back half and stuck it unceremoniously in s/h. it promptly began growing two new leads. didn't miss a beat.

[exasperatus2002]

I've been switching all of mine to s/h. I only make the transition if theres active root growth so they have a faster recovery period.

[rschluss]

Out of the plants I moved to s/h two months ago... the catts are the most responsive. They are putting out new roots all over the place. A few of the older p-bulbs lost leaves at first, but it wasn't that troubling once I noticed all the green tips popping out of the bottoms of the newer p-bulbs.

oh, and the other plants i moved (to see how they all respond) were 3 oncidium, 2 phals, 1 paph, 1 cymbidium, and of course the two catts that love it.

[-k-]

Originally Posted by janet_a

i repotted an Lc last year; whacked off the back half and stuck it unceremoniously in s/h.

Nice that raises my confidence ! and thanks for the laugh! Thats was great !
Tkx

exasperatus2002: I'll be picking up a new Catt for this, when I crack open the pot I'll check for growth activity before I move forward... Baby steps here!
Tkx

rschluss: Good to know as I have had so so luck with Catts, ironically the only one I have was a resue and its putting off new growths now! But think I'll keep that one in it's current medium.
Thkx

madphrag: Going to check out PrimeAgra as well as a few other options as Im sure there are some Hydro stores somewhere that carries it!
Thkx

jowben1: WOW thats a mighty collection you have! This is very encouraging to me, think I'm ready to try it out. Going to pick up the materials tonight and probably stare at it for a few days contemplating it some more before I do anything!
Thkx

Thanks everyone! Big help as always!

[hera]

I've had mixed results with catts in s/h. The ones that are doing the best are the ones that have the narrower pseudobulbs. Also, I found that its best to switch when they are in active roots growth. And, a warm environment helps to prevent rot.

[janice]

I have had really good luck with catts in s/h. Try it!!!!!!!!!!!!

[-k-]

Just got me a 10L bag of hydroton Will still be several days before I do anything with it but will start with a good soaking!

[syndywindy]

I have had excellent results with my catt's in S/H. In fact, I just ordered new pots for them as the growth has been so great they have grown out of their pots after less than a year.

[sunshine]

I was wondering how catts would do in s/h I have converted all my water hogs over to s/h the last time I was home. For grins and giggles even took a noid den and put in s/h. I have a noid phal I might even try. Also put my phrag
and paph in s/h I have noticed my catts are happier when their moist not soggy.

Do any of you use special pots I've been using the aircone or the regular clear pots with the holes in the bottom. Was also told you could use the clay orchid pots s/h.

[syndywindy]

Originally Posted by sunshine

Do any of you use special pots I've been using the aircone or the regular clear pots with the holes in the bottom. Was also told you could use the clay orchid pots s/h.

I use pots specifically made for growing in S/H. 2 holes about an inch from the bottom of the pot. I have also made my own by buying acryllic or plastic glasses or containers and drilling the holes with my dremel. I know some here on the forum grow their orchids in LECA, but not using S/H pots. Maybe they will be along to explain what they do.

[PocoGigio]

Hi syndywindy and all. I have changed over all my 'chids in the Cattleya alliance into just LECA. (Actually did the Phals and Dendrobs this way, too - all others are s/h LECA) They are now in Hydroton, in clear plastic pots with holes on the bottom - some with slits, some not. So these are not s/h. I started about a month ago since most of them were just starting to put out new roots. I ignored the buds and blooms and plowed ahead. Didn't think to use superthrive until I read about it in this forum. I normally use it from March thru July so I started today. Didn't know I should soak the LECA either so they all got repotted without the soak. So far, no spikes/buds/blooms have blasted and they all are just continuing on as if nothing happened. Doing it this way seems to provide great humidity and still lets the roots dry out. It's only been a month - I'll keep you posted!

[Ray]

Using LECA as a "regular culture" medium is a no-brainer, as long as you can water them sufficiently.

To stress - again - what has be said above: the best time to repot is when the plants are just beginning to grow new roots. As they grow, they will physically tailor their cellular structure to meets the conditions. Keeping plants warm, especially with under-pot heat, accelerates the root growth, hence the acclimation process.