Just purchased a Phrag Sorcerer's Apprentice
So I just purchased a Phrag. Sorcerer's Apprentice (Thanks Ray!) I've lusted after one of these for years. I've never had a good success with phrags, and I want to get it right for this one. Sorry if this is long, I'm hoping for advice for this baby regarding my current setup.
This is a division from a plant that has been growing in semi-hydro. I've never done semi-hydro, but I'm willing to try for this one to reduce relocation shock. I'm probably going to go trooping through the semi-hydro forum later, but anything to be aware of, specific to phrags, that people might warn me of?
This plant is coming bare root, so I have a couple media options on-hand: lecca, or expanded shale. The shale is heavier and might give it more stability. If you all say to avoid semi-hydro, I have charcoal, large and small perlite, coconut husk, large bark, and various sizes orchiata. I'd read way back somewhere that they might like some charcoal to help deal with fertilizer or water impurities. My understanding is that both of the parents prefer "wet feet" so a saucer at the least.
My setup: I'm in Texas, usually 50% minimum humidity, temps day 90-100 degrees/night 70 degrees 5-6 months of the year. In the winter I pull the plants in once it hits low 40's. I typically grow outside in an eastern-facing upper floor balcony with good air flow. It usually gets direct sun about 7-11ish AM, shade the rest of the day. I've a 35% shading screen up in front of my orchids. It's spike probably might go above the screen which I'm concerned about. One area gets shade 100% of the day, yet I worry that would be too dark. I'm concerned outside could be so hot it dies before it could acclimate. I could pull it indoors, near a west/northwest facing window with blinds.
Water is HARD, with a lot of limestone, starting about 8-9.5 ph. I tend to go with the "soak" followed by flushing with more water method once a week in my sink, and a quick flush of water mid-week with a watering can if temps are over 80. If temps reach 60 or below I check to see if they need any water that week. Each week of the month gets something different: fertilizer, then kelpmax for roots because someone always is in growth, then pure water so the "soak" really dissolves the salts from pores. Step 2 of water treatment is to adjust water PH to 6.5 using citric acid. I'd probably dilute any fertilizer or kelpmax further for this one.
All advice welcome! Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Kara
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