Phrag potting medium - Orchid Board

richardb · #1 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 03:30 PM

I pot my Phrags in rockwool cubes with some bark on the top to prevent moss growing. I have heard that some people pot theirs in Seramis. Anyone got experience of potting Phrags in Ceramis?

Bolero · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 08:38 AM

Seramis or Ceramis? I have never heard of this medium but would be interested in getting details about it as well.

Donald · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:08 AM

They are clay pellets popular in Europe I believe.

richardb · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:14 PM

It is SERAMIS and yes, it is tiny terra-cotta pelets like fine gravel. They hold moisture very well and let the roots explore easily while letting air through the mix. I use them for Cypripedums mixed with a little loam with great success.
Richard

Grandma M · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 05:15 PM

I grow all my Phrags in clay balls using the semi hydroponic method. They love it and grow like weeds, and they just keep blooming for me.

Marilyn

richardb · #6 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 06:10 AM

That's great. I'll give it a try because rockwool seems to get stale quite quickly even if mixed with perlite or bark.
Richard

jkhom · #7 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 02:51 PM

I agree with Grandma M. I've found that the best root growth for phrags is with S/H.

richardb · #8 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 03:09 PM

OK, can you describe for me exactly what you mean by "semi-hydroponic"?
I understand hydroponic, but not clear about what the half way house is.
Richard

kavanaru · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardb

OK, can you describe for me exactly what you mean by "semi-hydroponic"?
I understand hydroponic, but not clear about what the half way house is.
Richard

easy... same as hydroponic, but using 50% of the water

just kidding... have a look at this website: All about Semi-Hydroponics

richardb · #10 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 03:55 PM

That is really helpful, thanks.
in 2010 I have to go on a long trip for 6 weeks or so, and with two greenhouses of nearly 600 orchids and nobody to call upon for attention I am exploring every technique. My absence is in July/August in the UK too - not ideal!
One greenhouse is entirely Odontoglossum types so will be left open and the other is everything else which is closed. Mist sprayers keep the air moist and I think that an overhead drench every 5/6 days early in the morning might be sufficient.
The semi-hydroponic route also looks to be an option for some.