quick question regarding heat mats - Orchid Board

Rhynno · #1 09-21-2010, 12:16 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a quick question. Do you leave plants on heating mats even after they're established? I will be leaving my phals on the mats all winter due to temperature but I was wondering if I should leave my others on there too (catt hybrids, dendro hybrids, oncidium hiens57, epidendrums, epi/encyclia hybrids, zygos, one massie that for some reason likes the heating pad :S??, paphs).

Any info is greatly appreciated

!

Cheers,

Ryan

Rhynno · #2 09-30-2010, 04:24 PM

bump?

RosieC · #3 10-01-2010, 06:58 AM

Sorry I can't help Rhynno, just giving you another bump

Rhynno · #4 10-01-2010, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the bump up

!

Pilot · #5 10-01-2010, 12:23 PM

I use heat mats to establish my phals but find it isn't necessary once they're going fine in their new home. However, if temp is an issue, then you may want to give them a helping hand, especially if they're warm-growing plants (violacea, bellina phals etc).

Rhynno · #6 10-01-2010, 12:27 PM

Hey Pilot,

Do you use heat mats for any other plants aside from warmth loving phals? I wonder if I should just figure out which plants like more warmth and decide based on that =/.

Thanks for the reply

!

Ryan

Pilot · #7 10-01-2010, 12:47 PM

None of my phals stay permanently on heating mats. However, I only recently got into growing warm-growing phals-- like violacea and bellinas and some of the other species. They like things a little warmer. So those at least get a sunnier/warmer place in the solarium than the other standard phals. I use my heating mat to help all sorts of plants, though-- hippeastrums like a little heat to get the roots going, as well as some succulents, cuttings etc.

Ray · #8 10-04-2010, 04:32 PM

Phals are notorious for root rot if they are kept too cool and moist. If you are lowering the thermostat to save energy, you might push the plants' limits, so a simple 17W mat is an economical way of adjusting.

Even big ones are pretty inexpensive to operate. I have a 20" x 48" one that only draws 107W, and even at my outrageous (PECO) electric rates, it's less than $0.40/day to operate it.

Jayfar · #9 10-04-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Phals are notorious for root rot if they are kept too cool and moist. If you are lowering the thermostat to save energy, you might push the plants' limits, so a simple 17W mat is an economical way of adjusting.

Even big ones are pretty inexpensive to operate. I have a 20" x 48" one that only draws 107W, and even at my outrageous (PECO) electric rates, it's less than $0.40/day to operate it.

That's good to know, especially since I just ordered a smaller heat mat from you. :-) I also have PECO power.

I figure on using it for a couple bellinas and a violacea and one other plant that is trying to establish new roots.

Cewal · #10 10-10-2010, 03:53 PM

I just got a mat from Ray last week, and I'm going to keep 3 of my phals on it all fall and winter. Our house temp is at 65F now and will probably drop to 60F during the winter.