Hydroponics-A Simplified Method of Growing Orchids

[orchidannie]

A new story entry has been added:

Hydroponics-A Simplified Method of Growing Orchids

HYDROPONICS
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF GROWING ORCHIDS


he word hydroponics means working or moving water. This can be accomplished with a pump in a water reservoir or more supply by using an aggregate that has capillary action with a small reservoir of water.

Most orchid growers visualize orchids growing in hydroponics to be sitting in water. They believe that orchids and hydroponics do not mix. There is nothing further from the truth. Orchids need moisture, oxygen, nutrients and light. The first three of these components can be supplied to orchids growing in hydroponics in just the exact proportions that they need with more control than any other growing method.
When the orchid grower pots an orchid in most conventional growing mediums that medium is the best it is ever going to be. The medium will start to break down, decompose, with each passing day. Growing orchids in an inert fixed medium will provide that root zone with a healthier environment without the presence of decomposing matter, bacteria and mold.
Using a hydroponic growing kit with a high fired terra cotta medium is an ideal hydroponic method. The terra cotta growing medium has capillary action and will provide even and consistent moisture to the root zone. This hydropinic growing kit consists of two pots. A culture or grow pot and an outer pot to hold the nutrient solution. It also has a float devise to monitor the depth of the water in the outer pot. The culture pot is of special design. It has slits all around the lower portion of the pot with a concave bottom so that only the lower outer portion of the pot makes contact with the nutrient solution. Orchids growing in any hydroponic system must be allowed to go dry before the water is replenished. This will allow maximum oxygen to the roots.

[orchidannie]

I can't seem to post a photo for this article.
orchidannie

[Ross]

Did you look at Marty's hints tip entitled "Article Posting - Mini HOWTO" ? It explains that. In addition, you probably want to have the photos available locally on the board. This means that if you haven't already, you'll want to establish a gallery, then either link to the gallery photo (embed a link) or paste the gallery photo into the article. Hope this helps.

[terrestrial_man]

Orchidannie,
Enjoyed reading about this semi-hydroponic system of growing. Even though I prefer the usual mix system I at I shall be developing something similar to your described system but without a float as I continue in my experimentation in growing Goodyera.
One question arose: you mention a float to monitor the water level but you did not indicate if that float is tied to a value that acutally refills the reservoir or is somehow flagged so you will know that it is time.
Definitely recommend images.

[orchidannie]

Originally Posted by terrestrial_man

Orchidannie,
Enjoyed reading about this semi-hydroponic system of growing. Even though I prefer the usual mix system I at I shall be developing something similar to your described system but without a float as I continue in my experimentation in growing Goodyera.
One question arose: you mention a float to monitor the water level but you did not indicate if that float is tied to a value that acutally refills the reservoir or is somehow flagged so you will know that it is time.
Definitely recommend images.

The float device, which is called a water level indicator, is attached to the culture pot. On the indicator there are marking of "MIN" , "OPT" & "MAX". Inside the indicator is a hard ball that floats on the surface of the water in the reservoir. This hard ball raises a red stem that indicates how much nutrient water is in the reservoir. Thus you know exactly when to water and how much.

[Tindomul]

Excellent article on a new way to grow orchids. Well its new to me. I might try this someday. How much does it cost to set this up?

[orchidannie]

Thank you......
Please go to our website and click on Buy Hydro Kits.
It will take you to all of the sizes. We offer a different size on special each month.
This month our 6" x 5" kit is on sale.
Our hydro kits start as $9.95 for the 4.5" x 3.5" size.
Lots of pictures and info on the site.
Enjoy,
Annie

[R Srinivasan]

I learnt it by shere accident that one can grow orchids hydrophonic way too. Years ago I had a few plants of Anselia nilotica( lepord orchid from Africa) of which one grew faster than the rest throwing big flower spikes. At the time of repotting I found the bottom drain hole had been clogged and there was lot of water stagnating. There was a huge boll of fleshy white roots which happened only due to an unintended hydrophonic therapy!

[Shadow]

Very interesting article. Thanks.

[orchidannie]

Your welcome.
I hope you have the opprotunity to try it some day.
Annie