A tale of 5 'chids!

[PocoGigio]

Here are 5 of my 'chids that were on the brink of death a year ago. I didn't even know s/h existed back then. Thanks to all of you geeks, you saved these guys. Couldn't have done it without you.

Right to left:
Rhyncattlianthe Burana Beauty x Cattleya Fire Fantasy
Cattleya Mini Purple 'Candy'
Phalaenopsis violacea v. Malaysia x sib.
Cattlianthe Tutankamen 'Pop'
Stellamizutaara Kelly

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Paula

[Shannara]

Thats amazing...to go from almost dead to all those blooms! Wow...you are a very good plant mama!

Shann~

[VEEKTOR]

Originally Posted by PocoGigio

I didn't even know s/h existed back then.

Alright in the hopes that there truly aren't any dumb questions what is S/H?

[kmarch]

You've done really well with these! I'm happy that you were able to get them going good because they are little charmers! VERY cute!

[VEEKTOR]

Ha Ha just looked at the thread name! I got here from the 70 most recent tab! LOL

[berniep]

G'day Paula

What great chids and clever growing, thanks for showing them to us.

Cheers
Bernie

[syndywindy]

Those look nice and healthy, you obviously gave them what they needed to survive. Great growing!

[orchids4me]

Originally Posted by VEEKTOR

Alright in the hopes that there truly aren't any dumb questions what is S/H?

Semi hydroponic. If you look at her potting media in the pics little rediish brown clay balls. In the forum section is a whole section on this topic if you want to check it out. I to presented this question in a thread its not a dumb question lol no worries.
Emmaye

Those are fantastic revives and such wonderful blooms
Good growing!
Emmaye

[NewBloom]

Pocogigio,

I am considering repotting a catt into s/h. Did your catts have a lot of new roots when you did the switch? Mine has one root that hasn't reached the bark media yet. But there are a few new roots that have already grown into the bark.

I'm wondering if it's too soon/ too late to make the switch. Your results give me hope. Well done!

[PocoGigio]

NewBloom,
I've converted about 4 dozen catts/catt hybrids. Almost all survived, some better than others, but they are all coming along. Timing is everything. Your catt sounds to be prime for the change. May I assume that there is new growth with the new roots? Are the new roots 1-3 inches long? Perfect. I've observed that after the changeover all the old roots will rot and die right up to the crown.....unless......you prune all the old live roots back to about 2-3 inches. Catt roots will branch out if pruned. The new root sprouts of the old roots will then acclimate the same way as the brand new ones...in a perfect world. This treatment may or may not save the old ones but they will die if left alone. In s/h the bottom of the pot is the wettest and it gradually gets drier until daylight where the LECA will be dry to the touch. So, as the roots grow down into the wetter areas they acclimate. Instinct says, "oh, no, how can I prune off those lovely, long existing roots!?" Try doing some but not all and see what happens after 2-3 months. Always Physan 20 the cuts and superthrive the whole plant when converting. It does get stressed with all the handling. And, get all that old bark out.
I hope I haven't made it sound too difficult, it really isn't. I just get long-winded at times.
Paula

[NewBloom]

PocoGigio,

I eased the pontinara out of its 2 inch pot and found a massive web of roots. You can barely see the bark medium. I've only had the plant for 3 weeks and upon closer look, I don't think this baby is a candidate for s/h at this time. I drop potted it into a bigger container and will wait until its growth cycle really kicks in--it was flowering when I got it. Since it's happy with bark, I'll stick with that when I repot it.

My other 2 s/h plants were in trouble when I made the switch, so I felt I had nothing to lose. I just can't put a perfectly healthy plant through the transition. The worry would cause owner shock.

Anyway, I'm starting a thread about another catt I'm thinking of switching over. I'd love your advice.

[PocoGigio]

I don't blame you for not trying it.....yet!