Phal Naples Nights 7/26/08

[myorchid]

I am updating my first Naples Nights. It started out with limp leaves and wasn't doing well. Then it started coming around and started a new leaf.

Then....the dogs knocked it over and it got "played with" so I tried repotting it and it didn't seem to be doing anything.
I had read the thread on hydroponics and I thought I would give it a try since I didn't have anything to loose.
I put it in a clear tupperware container filled with gravel and wormtea. It has been in that for several weeks and it is not dead and I think the roots are starting to grow.

Here is a picture. I keep the water filled to just at the gravel level and it is in a shaded western exposure with some artificial light. We'll see.

[kid a]

Aww! That poor thing! I can see the new roots and it looks like it will make a comeback! Good job!

[brookn]

Uh oh "played with" is only fun for the dogs lol. Poor thing's been through the mill! I am sending grow thoughts to it now.

[norris]

You might want to contact Jay or someone who has more experience with s/h , I think you might have the water level too high.

[myorchid]

I am growing this Phal Hydroponically not semi hydroponically. I read Jerry Meola's thread on hydroponics and I believe I am doing it correctly. I do not want the roots exposed to air (rot) and I use the gravel to keep the plant stable in the worm tea.

Thanks though.

[brookn]

April, you have 2 of these don't you? I think it's a great idea to experiment with medium sometimes, especially if you have 2 of the same one. I have an Onc. that was two plants when I got it. Upon repotting they fell apart, and I put one in s/h and the other in gravel. The one in s/h looks amazing. I like to play mad scientist sometimes too hee hee. Be sure to update us on it's progress.

[myorchid]

Yes, I do. One is doing super! Still blooming, it has been for a month. This one has has trouble since the beginning, so I thought why not?

I just moved it to a cute little glass container. I read somewhere that if you put a little hydrogen peroxide in with it, it will allow more oxygen for the plant. I did it, so far no problems. Mad scientist here!

[brookn]

Oh let me edit that it's the gravel bark mix from Schultz . I actually have been considering some lava rock for a few though. Mad scientist moments can turn out to be a cool thing sometimes.

[patticake]

Cool... Good luck! I'll be watching this thread I'll bet she comes around....

[PhalPal]

I'm interested how this hydrophonic method works out for you. Have you thought of using Dynarock??? or does the medium not matter?

[myorchid]

I don't think the media matters, but I am not sure. I have a Paph that was two in one pot, that has been having mealy bug troubles and I thought I would give it a try with this method.

I treated it and put one growth in new bark mix and one growth in gravel with worm tea. Will see what happens.

I will post some pictures later.