Using individual hydro pots with outer pot and gauge

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

Has anyone had a successful experience growing orchids in pots where there is an outer pot, a culture pot and a water gauge. My concern is whether enough air is able to circulate around the roots to prevent root rot. However, a set up like this using the water gauges when you have to go out of town seems beneficial. Can anyone provide me with some pros and cons using a system like this. Is there a higher incident of disease using an enclosed system?

[Bud]

strange that you put your email as your nickname...unless you want mass spamming and prank emails from members ...heh
you are describing to me S/H method...you need LECA as your media...you can do this on any orchid...then you make sure the roots are not immersed completely in water on the first few months. Maybe after 6 months the roots will grow towards the water but then you need not worry because by then the plant is used to having some of its roots in water...If this happens you need an electric warmer mat. Orchid dont like cold water at the tip of their roots.

[camille1585]

Have a look here at a member's very well done website, there's lots of information on how to grow orchids similar to what you are talking about, in S/H, like mentioned by Bud.
Semi-hydroponics Orchid Plants

If the roots are allowed to grow into the water (as opposed to putting them there) then there is no risk of rot, they are tailored for the wetness.

[DelawareJim]

Originally Posted by Bud

you are describing to me S/H method...you need LECA as your media...you can do this on any orchid...then you make sure the roots are not immersed completely in water on the first few months. Maybe after 6 months the roots will grow towards the water but then you need not worry because by then the plant is used to having some of its roots in water...If this happens you need an electric warmer mat. Orchid dont like cold water at the tip of their roots.

Actually, she is describing fully hydroponic or "hydroculture" as found here Hydro Orchids.

I've used both the above hydroculture system and Ray's semi-hydro (S/H) system. I found over time, Ray's S/H system has fewer issues with mineral salt buildup because of the constant flushing than hydroculture does and my orchids grow better.

I love hydroculture for growing houseplants and grow everything that way now. But for orchids, S/H is the only way to go.

Cheers.
Jim

[Pilot]

In general I find the sh method to work really well, however, I do grow some plants, such as hippeastrum, or amaryllis bulbs, in clay pots with deep plastic saucers because ultimately, they loved the hydration so much they busted their plastic sh pots. So I had to move them to bigger pots and clay was cost reasonable. The response in growth is the same, if not better due to the increase in root room. For orchids, though, I still feel sh is the ways to go. The other method you mention works great for those largest plants that love to stretch out!

[DelawareJim]

Ryan - How do you keep the LECA from dropping out the hole in the bottom and how deep do you plant them? Hippeastrums are the only plant I grow in soil anymore and I'm dying to switch them to S/H. Mine are up to 14 inch clay pots now.

Cheers.
Jim

[Ray]

The 3-comnponent pots, typically sold under the Leni or Luwassa tradeneames, are still just "semi"-hydroponics, as they are used in passive hydroculture.

They are great for tropical houseplants, but I am not fond of them for orchids, as the tendency is to only refill the reservoir, rather than the frequent flushing you get with a "deli-container" type of pot. Terrestrial plants can deal with that better than can orchids.

Jim - consider the following: Starting with a regular plastic flower pot and tray, drill a couple of holes a couple inches up from the bottom (I'm thinking of BIG pots), then glue (silicone or hot-) the pot to the tray, plugging the bottom drainage holes.

VOILA! A large S/H pot for in the home, decorative, yet the tray prevents water from spilling on the floor.

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions. I have two follow up questions:

1.) I use room temperature distilled water on my orchids. Is room temperature okay? Is there any benefit to using warmer water?

2.) Ray, if you used the two pot system, how often would you recommend flushing? Can the salt build up contribute to fungus problems which is usually the problem I end up having to deal with. I would not want to use a system that might make fungus and diseases worse.

Also, enjoyed the conversations regarding tropical plants grown in s/h. I will have to give that a try. If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks for your help everyone!

[DelawareJim]

Good idea Ray. Matter of fact, Lowes had some big patio pots on sale to get rid of them for next year. Might have to check them out.

Just for kicks, here is one of my little Hipps. Hippeastrum 'Bolero'.





Cheers.
Jim

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

Good idea Ray. Matter of fact, Lowes had some big patio pots on sale to get rid of them for next year. Might have to check them out.

Just for kicks, here is one of my little Hipps. Hippeastrum 'Bolero'.





Cheers.
Jim

I never seen any with multiple bulbs! I'm lucky if mine last more than 2-3 years....