Coco husk chips for masdevallia?

[mountain_goat]

Hi orchid geeks, I've got a masdevallia tovarensis division and thinking about potting medium for it. Would fine coco husk chips be a good choice? If not, what else shall I consider? I've read culture info but I don't have experience with them so any suggestion will be very much appreciated!

[katrina]

I use shredded chc as well as the very fine chc...both mixed w/sphag. I've had much better success w/this combo that I did w/a fine bark mix.

Just make sure you soak/rinse repeatedly in order to remove as much of the salts as possible.

[kmarch]

The choice of medium is only important in so far as it helps you create the conditions the plant requires. As long as you make sure your massie is constantly moist it shouldnt' matter.

[orchids4me]

Mine is potted up in fine bark with coir. My problem I discovered is while we had that heat wave mine lost almost all its leaves at first I thought wasn't enough light gave it more and it threw a fit and dropped more leaves so I moved it back but now that its cooling down its hanging on to what little leaves it has left they don't like heat so..... Depending where you are and climate this might happen to you. At first also I thought it was sick but just sick of the heat lol.
Emmaye
Ps I won't get more of these while here I may try again when I move to the oregon coast.

[mountain_goat]

Originally Posted by kmarch

The choice of medium is only important in so far as it helps you create the conditions the plant requires. As long as you make sure your massie is constantly moist it shouldnt' matter.

Yes, that's true, but the effort required to provide the right condition can be different in different medium. I'm lazy so I'd like to reduce the amount of watering without a risk to have root rot.
Thanks everyone, planted in coco chips now, will keep an eye on it and switch medium if this one won't work.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by mountain_goat

Yes, that's true, but the effort required to provide the right condition can be different in different medium. I'm lazy so I'd like to reduce the amount of watering without a risk to have root rot.

Yes, that was exactly my point. For the math geeks: the choice of mix = the cultural needs of the plant / your cultural habits.

[hera]

I've been using coir and they are loving it as a medium. It stays just moist enough.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by hera

I've been using coir and they are loving it as a medium. It stays just moist enough.

Hmmm...might have to give this a try w/a couple of mine. I like experimenting. Thanks for the idea!

[Orchidementia]

I've been experimenting with different media and put a couple of masdies in coco husk/coir (that I got at Petsmart in the reptile section!). So far, those have been doing very well - lots and lots of new roots and new leaves are starting. The others in my usual fine bark/perlite/pumice/charcoal mix are also doing as well.

[Brooke]

Marie are you talking about the coir that is ground and looks like a peat mix? Are you using perlite with it? Or am I getting all the various descriptions of coir mixed up, which wouldn't be unusual

Brooke

[Bolero]

I have stopped using coconut on Pleuro's completely. I only use Sphagnum Moss. I know others who use coconut but their roots are no where near the same mass as mine are even though they keep them moist. I worry about burning from a build up of chemicals and I don't believe that coconut can be kept as evenly moist as sphagnum moss. I won't use anything but sphagnum moss but it depends on your growing conditions. I would talk to local growers, see what they use and how they use it.

[mountain_goat]

Originally Posted by Bolero

I have stopped using coconut on Pleuro's completely. I only use Sphagnum Moss.

Do you grow them indoor or outdoor? I like the idea of using sphagnum but I'm concerned about sphagnum getting too wet when it is raining for a week almost non-stop.

[Brooke]

Sphag won't get any wetter than coco chunks in the same wet conditions.

Brooke

[Orchidementia]

What I was describing is chunks of fibery husk with coir (or what I think of as coir; that is, strands of fiber) mixed together.

[mountain_goat]

Originally Posted by Brooke

Sphag won't get any wetter than coco chunks in the same wet conditions.

Thanks, I didn't know about this, have no experience with coco chunks yet.

[rcb]

Rachel, I too get my coconut husk products from the reptile aisle of the petstore.

Mine carries both, the chunky chips, and the ground coir. The chips have a little more fiber, than if you buy the CHC from an orchid place, but the cost difference and availability more than makes up for that little problem.

The coir they sell, also comes as a brick, but after wetting out, it looks like slightly more chunky peat moss. Again, significantly cheaper.

I'm just careful to give them a real good soak/rinse.

I noticed the other day when I was up there, they are now carrying a decent quality spaghnum moss as well.

[lmartiny]

First; what a good idea to get coco chips at the pet store. I had gotten mine at Selby Gardens my two visits there and hoard it for use on moisture loving orchids. I have trouble with spag.
I've got a Masdie and learned (the first go around) that they like to stay moist and most prefer cooler temps. I repotted it into coco chips about two months or so ago. I can't do anything about the heat. I try to stay on top of watering for it and also try to remember to dump the excess water in the tray of pebbles it is on. (I've forgotten a few times so worried about excess and rot) So far so good. I can see some more new growth. I tried to keep the first one inside due to coolness, but I have trouble growing indoors and the plant was "Boborized" as well. Those of you that are newer, Bobo is our stink-pot cat.
I'm soaking some coco chips now for a couple of other repots. I tried to make them smaller by putting it on the cutting board and cutting them with the butcher knife like you do herbs. It was too tough. I might try once it is soaked. I was trying to do it quick, rather than pick at it. Anyone have suggestions? I'm not sure I'll fess up to that endeavor. Hubby is rather particular about his cookwear and his cutlery. (my bad!)

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by rcb

Rachel, I too get my coconut husk products from the reptile aisle of the petstore.

Mine carries both, the chunky chips, and the ground coir. The chips have a little more fiber, than if you buy the CHC from an orchid place, but the cost difference and availability more than makes up for that little problem.

The coir they sell, also comes as a brick, but after wetting out, it looks like slightly more chunky peat moss. Again, significantly cheaper.

I'm just careful to give them a real good soak/rinse.

I noticed the other day when I was up there, they are now carrying a decent quality spaghnum moss as well.

I've been buying my moss there for a while! There's a kind that comes in a brick that is long fiber and quite good!

[rcb]

Mountaingoat and Lynne, have you considered S/H for the Masdies?

I started an experiment last spring, putting the Masdies in it, and even though it is horrible hot here, and they look terrible, they are all still alive. And growing.

I'd brought them in the house when it got hot, but our air conditioning can't keep up with the heat during the day, so they are looking a bit ugly, but as I said they are still alive.

[Orchidementia]

My thoughts for masdies and hot weather - probably not worth a whole lot as while it does get hot here (90s to low 100s) it's usually closer to 80s and always cool at night, but for what it's worth:

When it IS hot here, I put them on the lowest shelf (heat rises, right?) and under the leaves of taller, more heat tolerant plants. I use clay pots (for a lot of reasons, one being they're harder for the wind to blow over on my porch) so I wet the outside of the pots until they're soaked through. I also wet down the leaves. This got them through last year's heat wave with no leaf loss.

This may not be of very much use to Florida members, but it might give some ideas (probably better ones, too) to someone.

[mountain_goat]

Originally Posted by rcb

Mountaingoat and Lynne, have you considered S/H for the Masdies?

No I haven't because I have no experience with masdevallias and I have no experience with S/H so if it won't work I wouldn't even know who to blame I'd like to try S/H but I think I need to do a bit of research first and I have to try it with something familiar to start with

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by mountain_goat

Do you grow them indoor or outdoor? I like the idea of using sphagnum but I'm concerned about sphagnum getting too wet when it is raining for a week almost non-stop.

That is a fair point. I grow outside all year round in a shade house with a solid polycarbonate roof so I control the waterings.

They grow really well. Sometimes in summer if it gets to 32C or so I bring them inside in trays but generally they remain outside for 90% of the year and they dry out no matter what season it is.

When I repot in Spring I will post photos of masdevallia roots in sphagnum moss.

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by rcb

Mountaingoat and Lynne, have you considered S/H for the Masdies?

I started an experiment last spring, putting the Masdies in it, and even though it is horrible hot here, and they look terrible, they are all still alive. And growing.

I'd brought them in the house when it got hot, but our air conditioning can't keep up with the heat during the day, so they are looking a bit ugly, but as I said they are still alive.

I have 2 masdies and they survived the heat wave we had in July I just kept mine well watered. One looks like it has a new spike

I have been wondering about s/h Right now there in bark but sooner or later will have to be repotted. I have had good luck with moisture loving chids in s/h. Any thoughts on masdies potted in s/h

[Bolero]

I don't believe that Masdevallias can grow in S/H and I think Sphagnum Moss is a much more suitable media even if you can get them into S/H.

Someone might argue that point though.

[rcb]

Originally Posted by Bolero

I don't believe that Masdevallias can grow in S/H and I think Sphagnum Moss is a much more suitable media even if you can get them into S/H.

Someone might argue that point though.

Bolero why do you think that Masdies cannot grow in S/H? Thanks.

[lmartiny]

I don't know much about SH, just what I've read here. I don't know if I'm attentive enough. Is is high maintenance?

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by lmartiny

I don't know much about SH, just what I've read here. I don't know if I'm attentive enough. Is is high maintenance?

Lyne, I find s/h the easiest of all medium. It does great with the managed neglect program.

1. The hydroton doesn't break down like bark does.
2. You can use any plastic pot that has the holes in the bottom. Aircone pots don't work to well due to the slits in the side.
3. Any type of pot, bowl, plastic container can act as a reservoir.
4. Flush regularly to remove salt build up
5. Fertilize weakly everytime you water. Hydroton contains no nutrients.

The best thing about s/h you can't over water. I keep my reservior 1/4-1/2 full depending on the weather. When we were having our heatwave I kept them about 1/2 full. I have been using those clear plastic pots you get in the garden center that sit beside those plastic saucers.

I do get a little algae build up in the reservoir but it washes right out with some hot soapy water. I have put all my milts in s/h and they are very happy.I have found that the majority of my chids that like constant moisture are happier in s/h. The majority of my medium is either s/h(hydroton) or coco chip bark and perlite.

If you want to try s/h buy an inexpensive noid oncidium/odontoglossum or a milt. This has been one of the thing I have enjoyed about growing orchids. Experimenting with different medium and plants. Watching the change in my chids as they grow with the seasons. The shapes, sizes and colors are endless.

[lmartiny]

I thought I'd show my Masdie.

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by lmartiny

I thought I'd show my Masdie.
Attachment 37717

What a healthy looking masdie

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by rcb

Bolero why do you think that Masdies cannot grow in S/H? Thanks.

Because I've read various posts from S/H sellers and growers that they can't. So I assume they are basically right if they sell the product and grow using the product.

Thanks.

[Anisa]

Originally Posted by Bolero

I don't believe that Masdevallias can grow in S/H and I think Sphagnum Moss is a much more suitable media even if you can get them into S/H.

Someone might argue that point though.

Hmm.. I have masdie growing and BLOOMING in s/h. Couple of masdies and pleourothallis are the only ones (from 20+ plants) that adjusted well to s/h. I have learned that s/h method still requires the right conditions for plant to adjust to media. In addition to growing condition you have to figure what s/h container works, how often you need to flush, how much moisture plant need. My mistake was that i used tall containers and the moisture wasn't able to wick up to roots of my seedlings leaving them dehydrated in the heat of the summer. Now hey are in regular bark/charcoal mix till next year.
As for masdies - they were planted in much lower container and standing on a saucer in 1" deep water - constantly moist.

[Bolero]

Originally Posted by Anisa

Hmm.. I have masdie growing and BLOOMING in s/h. Couple of masdies and pleourothallis are the only ones (from 20+ plants) that adjusted well to s/h. I have learned that s/h method still requires the right conditions for plant to adjust to media. In addition to growing condition you have to figure what s/h container works, how often you need to flush, how much moisture plant need. My mistake was that i used tall containers and the moisture wasn't able to wick up to roots of my seedlings leaving them dehydrated in the heat of the summer. Now hey are in regular bark/charcoal mix till next year.
As for masdies - they were planted in much lower container and standing on a saucer in 1" deep water - constantly moist.

That wouldn't work for me, I once tried growing Masdevallias with water in trays and they rotted. Maybe it works for S/H but it doesn't work for Sphagnum moss which doesn't need water in trays to work. I am still yet to see a better root system on a Masdevallia than when using sphagnum moss. But thanks for letting us know what works for you.