Masdevallias, Draculas etc in semi-hydro?

[daemondamian]

Hi folks,
I know there is a semi-hydro forum here on the board but I thought I'd try out here first..

Does anyone here grow there Masdevallias or other related orchids using semi-hydro culture?

Have you seen the nano vivs elsewhere that are terracotta pipes sealed at the bottom and filled with RO water- the plants are mounted on the outside which is moist from the wicking of water.

I have just mounted a Dracula vampira to a terracotta tile sitting in water after seeing how successfully my Bulbophylum rothschildianum was growing on a tile with just the bottom 1cm sitting in water.

Photos would be great!

[L I Jane]

Certainly not draculas as the flowers grow down & often out the sides or bottom of a basket or net pot so semi hydro in a pot would not be an option.

[daemondamian]

Originally Posted by L I Jane

Certainly not draculas as the flowers grow down & often out the sides or bottom of a basket or net pot so semi hydro in a pot would not be an option.

Hi Jane,
thanks for your reply , yes I potted my other Dracula vampira into a net pot in hydroton with the very bottom sitting in water in the hope that the flowers would grow out the sides through the net pot- doesn't work if they choose the bottom though eh?

If the one mounted on the tile does come into flower I will see the spikes but what to do about still keeping the tile moist but giving the spikes room to grow??

I'm sure I'll think of something.

I think the very tall terracotta pipes would be ideal as mounts giving plenty of room for spikes.... I'm still trying to find some though..

Damian