Warming Mats

[HighSeas]

I've been researching semi-hydroponics and have decided to try it on a few of my orchids. While I'm waiting for some supplies to be delivered from FirstRays, I've continued to work out a plan for the transition, but I do have a few questions....

Presently, I give my orchids K-L-N once a month. I also use Pro-Tekt, Seaweed extract, fertilizer and an occasional dose of superthrive and Epsom salts. I alternate. I have very good root growth on everything except my paphs.

I'd like to stimulate root growth from them....and thought I may have better success if I get a warming mat. That said, I've noticed that hydrofarm also sells a thermostat control for their mats. I've read threads where people mention that they feel the mat gets too warm. Does anyone know exactly what temp those mats should be set at? Do you think the temperature control thing-a-ma-jig is necessary? Thanks for your input!

[jeremyinsf]

What kind of Paphs?

[HighSeas]

The kind that you buy with flowers....and don't ever flower again.

I keep reading about how easy they are....which I've come to believe is a conspiracy for me to buy more! Which I do....

One says " Red Complex" on the tag.....

One has no tag at all but he's got light green mottled leaves. (Like that helps...right?)

One is Paph. Hsinying Jewel x Paph Salen

One is Paph Spectrum x Paph Hsinying Almachi

The other is Paph Chamberlainianum x Paph Delenatil

I'm not planning to put these guys in SH until I figure out how to grow them first. I just want them to grow more roots because they came to me in Sphag (and green algae), in bloom. By the time the blooms finished on two of them...and I repotted them....there were so many dead roots. (Way too many) I have three still blooming and to be honest, I'm thinking of repotting them, getting them out of that sphag, before their roots go south on me as well. Blooms or not. I hate to do it....but I need some good roots and I think it's the moss that's hurting them. So what do you think about the mat?

[jeremyinsf]

I don't think there is a general rule that they are easy, but I get that people say it anyway! Sometimes plants that are hard for some are easy for others, and vice versa. How long have you had these plants and how much light are they getting?

Is is possible for you to post a picture of them (yes I know there are no flowers, but it will show the growths and what state they are in now) all together?

My personal take is that you have many other things to be concerned about before the mat. I have lots of paph's... about 70 - and I don't have a mat. With the kind you have, it's likely you don't need one yet either, you need to deal with other culture issues.

With the Sphag moss - and algae - does that mean they are soggy? How often are you watering? Over-watering / soggy roots on most orchids can be a #1 killer, including with paphs.

[Ray]

FWIW, I use (& sell) the 17W nursery-tray sized mats from Hydrofarm, and they need no thermostat to boost the temp about 10°-15° over ambient.

I have never seen or heard of an overheating problem.

[cbuchman]

Originally Posted by Ray

FWIW, I use (& sell) the 17W nursery-tray sized mats from Hydrofarm, and they need no thermostat to boost the temp about 10°-15° over ambient.

I have never seen or heard of an overheating problem.

I use the same and have no problems with overheating. Mine are on 24/7 in the winter months when the growing space is on the cool side.

[HighSeas]

I'll get that picture and post it! I can appreciate that a visual assessment would help.

I've had the Paph Jewel x Salen for about 6 months. It was in bloom when I got it. The flower lasted for months! Because of that, I felt that I was doing something right. It was in Sphag though. When I repotted, I was shocked by how few roots there were that were viable. I repotted it in small Lava only a week ago. I don't overwater, I'm sure. But I have to say that the moss takes a long time to dry out and stays wet longer than I'd like. (Which is why I hate that stuff)

The Red Complex was never in bloom. I bought it at a nursery also in moss. I immediately switched it over to LAVA....and noticed that it didn't have many roots either. I've had it about a month now.

Ray...when I was poking around the internet looking for more info on the mats, I came across a statement in a forum where a guy said it got way too hot for his plants. I don't know what his concept of "way too hot is" and his was the only complaint I'd read to that regard. Which is why I asked. I need roots and since my paphs are inside (in the AC), I thought a mat might be helpful to warm their roots and stimulate that growth. (I also read your article about the mats...which was quite informative)

Will post pictures today! Thanks everyone!

[jeremyinsf]

Fantastic about the upcoming picture!

Do you are using lava rock on it's own? I don't think i've ever heard of that, but, it really shouldn't work. It can't hold (retain) any water or nutrients, and you actually need both of them. It can be -added- to mixes to help with drainage and whatnot, but not really used on it's own. Going with lava is probably the other extreme end of soggy Spagh. I suggest you get a paph mix that contains mostly small bark.

Many people find the complex paph's are more difficult to re-bloom... might not be 'personal'! And the Jewel, many people do find those flowers to last the longest, and I'm sure you took good care of it under the circumstances to make it last as long as it did.

Also how much light are these plants getting??

[silken]

I read an article in Orchid Digest (I think) and it was by someone quite known for Paphs and I don't remember the year or month (I know, very vague). But one strong message I got from that article is that Paphs don't seem to like sphagnum and resent old potting media. Just thought I would throw that in in case it helps. I moved several small ones from a mostly sphag mix to fine bark and they seemed to take off soon after.

[HighSeas]

This is actually still in bloom...still in moss...I don't think I've ever wanted flowers to hurry up and fade as much as I do now.


DSC00339 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Another of the same orchid...


DSC00337 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Here is one I've had for about six months. It's one I transferred to Lava...


DSC00341 by Ephesis, on Flickr

Another one transferred to Lava....


DSC00336 by Ephesis, on Flickr

My cat Sybil chewed on this one's leaf a bit...She's weird that way...


DSC00331 by Ephesis, on Flickr

This one looks to have some decent roots BUT its in moss and still in bloom with four blooms.


DSC00329 by Ephesis, on Flickr

I think they are getting enough sun...maybe more?