Sarcochilus growing in CoCo nuggets

[Ron]

Hi all.
For those interested in the results of using CoCo nuggets compared to using pine bark nuggets for growing Sarcochilus orchids in. These were the 12-18 mm CoCo nuggets used for the Phallies
These were potted up from 2 inch & 2 1/2 inch pots last spring.
I am very happy with the results so far, good plant growth and good root growth.
1 plant was placed in the semi clear pots so I could see the results in the root growth.
Unfortunately they were not clear enough to see the roots properly in the photo.
Cheerio
Ron

[berniep]

G'Day Ron

Do you think there is any difference in the growth in the different type of pots? Also what brand of coco chips do you use? Look forward to your reply.

Cheers
Bernie

[Ron]

Hi Bernie

Do you think there is any difference in the growth in the different type of pots? Also what brand of coco chips do you use?

From what I can see so far, there seems to be no difference in there growth from the black pots and clear pots. I have heard some of the good Tasmanian Sarc. growers are useing clear pots with great success, but I have not seen them or photos of them.
I can not see any problem with using them as most Sarcs seem to have a rambling root habit in pots, up over the sides, out of the bottom, so maybe the clear pots will encouage them to stay inside the pots!
Cheerio
Ron


CoCo nuggets are Orchidmate

[psyc1210]

Originally Posted by Ron

Hi Bernie

From what I can see so far, there seems to be no difference in there growth from the black pots and clear pots. I have heard some of the good Tasmanian Sarc. growers are useing clear pots with great success, but I have not seen them or photos of them.
I can not see any problem with using them as most Sarcs seem to have a rambling root habit in pots, up over the sides, out of the bottom, so maybe the clear pots will encouage them to stay inside the pots!
Cheerio
Ron


CoCo nuggets are Orchidmate

I had my one and only Sarc in a slotted clear pot. Darned thing stopped growing roots down into the pot, and all new roots pointed in the opposite direction. Gave up on the pot and mounted it. We'll see how it does

[Onleme]

In my opinion 90% of Sarcs need to be mounted, if it won't send the roots down then thats a good indication that it needs mounting, mount with good quality live bush moss under the plant so as to keep the roots moist. Keep the Sarc well shaded and damp in the summer, Thats my 2 bob worth
Steve

[Andrew]

Ron,
I use coir chips as part of my Sarc mix but I have yet to try it on its own. I have seen Sarcs grown successfully in 100% coir chips in this part of the country. However, I have heard comments from other Sarc growers that it works well for the first year but their plants go down hill in the second year. I'm not saying this will happen under your conditions but it's something to keep an eye out for.

Jo Beth,
Sarcs hartmannii and fitzgeraldii crosses often won't send roots into the pot if the media is too wet.

[psyc1210]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Ron,
I use coir chips as part of my Sarc mix but I have yet to try it on its own. I have seen Sarcs grown successfully in 100% coir chips in this part of the country. However, I have heard comments from other Sarc growers that it works well for the first year but their plants go down hill in the second year. I'm not saying this will happen under your conditions but it's something to keep an eye out for.

Jo Beth,
Sarcs hartmannii and fitzgeraldii crosses often won't send roots into the pot if the media is too wet.

Thanks for that info Andrew. I don't know if my media was too wet, as it was potted in aliflor. I am hoping it being mounted now will help it

[orchidlover55]

Ok I am convinced I was dwelling on what to repot me Phals in, in a couple of weeks now I know. What is your mixture is it just coco nuggets?

[Onleme]

We use 75% quality Med treated orchid bark chips and 25% quality orchid Coco chips for everything, this is what a large orchid nursery here in Toowoomba uses with great success, so if it works for them it should for us, its where we got our mix from. But then its different for everyone cause we are all from different places with different climates.

Steve

[Ron]

ar.
Hi Jo Beth.
I have heard the same comment from a few growers and one of our better growers, Neville Roper has been using CoCo nuggets in his mix for several years now.
Reports very good results.
He does use a small percentage of Diatominte in his mix, he recommend repotting every couple of years if using a lot of chemical fertilizer to avoid salts from building up in the mix. I seen his plants at shows and if I can grow half a good as his, I will be happy.
Mine have been in the mix for about 9 months or so and still look very good, I use organic fertilizer a lot and occasionally chemical fertilizer at a weak rate.
Thanks
Ron

[orchids4me]

Hi Ron,
What organic fertilizers do you use ? See if I can find them on line or here in the states. I'm having a big problem with salts build up even with flushing the pots.
Thanks
Emmaye

[Ron]

Hi Ron,
What organic fertilizers do you use ? See if I can find them on line or here in the states. I'm having a big problem with salts build up even with flushing the pots.
Thanks
Emmaye

Hi Emmaye.
I use a pellet product called Organic Life, basically it is a pelletise mix of seaweed, fish and prawn waste, chicken manure.
I also use a fish product called Charlie Carp, and Seasol at different times.
Plants seem to love it.
Cheerio
Ron

[orchids4me]

Thanks again Ron,
I appreciate your help with this.
Emmaye

[digitalgate]

just remember to change the medium after a year since they break down quite fast in a pot. Good news is that can be done very easily.