New S/H Update

[Sassismom]

It's been just over another 2 weeks, and I'm happy to report everyone still seems happy. As you can see the roots on this phal. have made their way down to the water. Wooo hooo they like it.

[grandmapenguin]

Originally Posted by Sassismom

It's been just over another 2 weeks, and I'm happy to report everyone still seems happy. As you can see the roots on this phal. have made their way down to the water. Wooo hooo they like it.

Can you explain to a Newbie what is the potting mixture you are using?
Terry

[articuno75]

I have seen Phals in S/H that do exceptionally well. They seem to flourish in this method.

Terry~ The stuff is Hydroton. You can also use Alifor. (Heated Clay expanded pellets) There are other mediums that are used for S/H, but these are the more common.

[Sassismom]

Thanks Jenny, I couldn't for the life of me remember the name of the clay pellets...never mind that I couldn't remember clay pellets.

[jay]

Congrats on the S/H success!

There are other types of LECA as well. There is a brand called PrimeAgra and a new one called HygroStone.

[articuno75]

Oooo and you can also use natural stones too. Just as long as they are porous. A good example would be Lava rock.

I'm looking for stone called Stalite. It is treated to heated temperatures to expand and become more porous. It's sold as VoleBloc or Permatill.

[jay]

Jenny, I haven't heard of Stalite yet but would be interested in knowing more about it.

LECA, which stands for Light Expanded Clay Aggregate and comes from many different brands, is all highly heated clay. I am not sure if the different companies heat to different temperatures, but you will find that there are different shapes. Some prefer the round type like Hydroton, while some prefer oval like PrimeAgra, and then there is of course the rock type like HygroStone.

[articuno75]

Here is the link to the website that has the information on it and where to go to find it. PermaTill Volebloc, Vole Control, Loosens compacted Soil, Soil Conditioner, Green Roof

This is the website that tells the in depth information on how it's processed and gathered. Stalite Lightweight Aggregate

[markclkk]

But i thought for S/H, the media has to be able to wick up water?

[articuno75]

Originally Posted by markclkk

But i thought for S/H, the media has to be able to wick up water?

These stones are porous and do have some wicking capability. But I have been watching my Mtssa. Shelob 'Tolkien' that is in Hydroton and I have notice that it's not the wicking action that provides moisure, but the condensation from the water at the bottom that "collects" during the evaporation process.

As the water evaporates, it rises out of the container. The pellets "capture" it for the most part, and you'll see droplets of water around the midline/midway of the container. It creates a humid and moist enviroment for the roots and plant.

Due to this observation and with a couple of other Oncidiums that I have that aren't up to par from the dry enviroment of my apartment, I'm thinking of going ahead and switching the rest of them to S/H.

I'm really impressed with the method.

Thank you Jay for giving me the insight in the beginning and helping me take that first plunge.

[digitalgate]

it is funny to see different method seem to work for different people. I would not touch
SH with a one hundred foot pole that is if i can carry the pole.

Glad it work well for you. Keep up the good work.