My shot at Semi hydroponics

[tom499]

I've had two wet loving phrags flourish (no flowers yet) in hydroton, in normal clear pots, but in a deep saucer of rain water for a few months, and thought it was time to go a step further as the potential for decreasing time spent watering etc was growing on my mind.

I've gone with 5 plants:

2 maudiae-type paphs, one in bud
1 Multifloral Paph
1 Phal species
1 Mottled Paph

All were suffering abit as they drain there water quickly, and were in the repotting time schedule. After unpotting them they all had some root growth, so I thought they'd be suited to the move.

These plants are in food freeze storage pots, with a few holes put in the side about an inch from the bottom.

The clay ball brand is J Arthur Bowers Hydroleca, which says can be used for hydroponics. The bag was £3.99 quite cheap, so I'm interested to see how it compares to the Phrags clay balls which are Hydroton.

I use rainwater for my orchids will fertilise these lightly to start, as the inert media will give them none.

I think the challenge will be getting the right balance of water in the reservoir and the right depth the plant is put at. Too much water to the roots will rot them, but too little will wither them.

I will be watching closely and post progress.

Any comments and help would be greatfully recieved.

Tom499

[kid a]

Looks good! Keep us updated. I tried to do this without a resevior with the normal drainage holes in the bottom and ended repotting back into my normal mix. I love how clean looking s/h is I might try it again with a resevior soon though. Keep us updated as to how they are doing.

[jay]

Looking good Tom. Just keep an eye on the plants to make sure the LECA is wicking up the liquid. If you had root growth on the plants, then you picked the right time to do the switch. Keep us updated.

[janet_a]

hmm, i've seen it discussed that the maudiae types don't like s/h....

[tom499]

I've heard that too Janet, but I've also read that they are very happy in S/H also lol.

I've been waiting and waiting in the hope of a clear set of rules to follow, but it appears that everyone has different results, so I've just thought I should stop dithering and do it, because I've been itching to for so long

So far so good with moisture levels, the top balls are dry but underneath they feel moist. Hopefully this will continue.

[janet_a]

let us know how it goes.

[jay]

I have one Maudiae type hybrid in S/H and it appears to be doing fine. I have lost 2 though. It seems that they will love it or hate it. Not sure why. My multi-floral Paphs (Paph Mark Eickhoff and Paph. lowii) seem to love the S/H, as well as Paph. primulinum.

Good luck and keep us posted.