My first phal in s/h

[sunshine]

I've been wanting to try a phal is s/h. Didn't want to use a nice $$$ hybrid for the experiment. Was in HD Friday night and found this little cutie for 7.99 on the discount rack. It also has some other issues. It does have some good roots and each stem is putting out a new sub spike. I did put some superthrive in the water that my hydroton is soaking in. Also the phal is soaking. Believe it or not this phal was not potted in sphag The bark was black and very nasty looking not to mention soaking wet.

[syndywindy]

You'll have to let me know how this goes. I personally did not have luck with phal's in S/H, but so many others have, I might have to try what you are doing. Taking a cheaper noid and seeing what happens. Good luck!

[-k-]

Yes I will be equally as interested in this experiment!
Good call with scooping up a cheap one, nice selection too!

[Ray]

If the plant has only a few good roots, and you let the emerging flower spikes remain, I can pretty much guarantee the plant will die rather than recover.

Remove the spikes, keep it really warm, and it will likely do well.

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by Ray

If the plant has only a few good roots, and you let the emerging flower spikes remain, I can pretty much guarantee the plant will die rather than recover.

Remove the spikes, keep it really warm, and it will likely do well.

Oh, nooooooooooo it's the loveliest shade of green/white I have ever seen in a phal.

I am assuming by cutting the flower spikes off that the plant will put it's energy into new roots and leaves. Maybe a new spike

[maiseymoo]

Originally Posted by sunshine

Oh, nooooooooooo it's the loveliest shade of green/white I have ever seen in a phal.

I am assuming by cutting the flower spikes off that the plant will put it's energy into new roots and leaves. Maybe a new spike

Yes that is the idea with cutting the spike off, I recently experimented with s/h with my phals using 5 of them and it seems to 70/30 in favour of the s/h, I did have to cut the spike off of one of them as the buds blasted, once I got rid of the spike it has started to grow three new roots and it looks really healthy overall. I will try and find my camera to post you some before and after pics.

[HotPot]

good luck my Phal died after trying semi Hydro

[Rema]

I'm sorry for displaying my ignorance like this, but since I'm a newbie I hope I can get away with it. SO I have to ask: What does it mean to "experiment with S/H"?

[Rema]

Never mind my question, just found the answer on other threads. But thank you so much for posting this, it helped me learn about something very interesting. Good luck with your project!

[Ray]

A general comment: In my years of growing in s/h culture and lecturing about it to orchid societies, I can pretty much narrow down a lack of success with phals to two things (assuming the technique is applied properly, that is):

1) Too low of a temperature. With a few exceptions, phalaenopsis species tend to be HOT growers, but seem to tolerate only warm conditions in our homes. If we push the thermostat down to save energy, that "pushes the envelope" to the lower edge of acceptability for the plant. Now we put them in S/H culture, and the evaporative cooling from the medium cools the roots even more, so they fail.

2) Starting with a weak plant and thinking (hoping) S/H is a savior. It's not.