Stone bowl - Orchid Board

l.ania · #1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 04:08 AM

I've got so many phlas in my not so big room, that I had to perform sth new for them (to have more place for others :P). And I put 9 of them in a huge stone bowl

They seem to like it, and a month ago all of them were blooming... Now only two- have a look:

Bird Song Farm · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 05:23 AM

I LOVE it!!
What about drainage?

Al

l.ania · #3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 06:10 AM

Al, I'm glad you like it

About drainage: at the bottom of the bowl I put about 6l of perlite

But phals are in mix of cork, perlite and limestone (only a bit of the third component)

The only problem with the bowl is the fact that it's extremely heavy... I can't put it into bath (or move anywhere

unless my brother comes to help me) to give them shower. But I mist them every morning and water once a week

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #4 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 09:40 PM

That's really striking. I've thought about doing something similar with a wood basket. That would help take care of the weight problem.

cabbo · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 10:37 PM

Thats awesome Ania, just gave me some new ideas. You can drill holes in the bottom if you want. With the right drill bit it's not hard.

camille1585 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 07:33 AM

It looks really good!! It must have been impressive when the phals were all blooming.

But there is one problem with the lack of holes. How are you going to periodically flush out the medium? I'm assuming that you fertilize when you water, and normally the pots need to be flushed sometimes to remove excess salt buildup.
Maybe you could put some holes in it at chris suggests.

l.ania · #7 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 08:38 AM

There actually ARE 5 big holes in the bottom

I would take a photo... but it's too heavy :P

Bird Song Farm · #8 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l.ania

There actually ARE 5 big holes in the bottom

I would take a photo... but it's too heavy :P

Great, I was worried about the drainage problem. Now it sounds like it will work and it sure looks extra nice.

Al

herf · #9 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 11:44 AM

Looks great what a great idea.Holes on the side might be a good idea for air to get into the medium and circulate.That bowl looks like it weighs a tons

camille1585 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l.ania

There actually ARE 5 big holes in the bottom

I would take a photo... but it's too heavy :P

Cool. That bowl is just about perfect now! At my university's reception desk, there is also a big bowl with phals in it. It's gorgeous, so I can imagine what yours must look like in person. But as soon as the blooms are wilted, they buy new ones to plant in their place. Maybe I should ask them if I can have some of the old phals next time....