Using unglazed terra cotta and S/H

[Salixx]

Okay, so I have become fully addicted and buying up plants like it's going out of style (getting lots of O/T at work is enabling me).

Anyway, I have been dabbling in S/H recently and potting most new plants into it. Today, I was very taken by a Masdevallia chaparensis on J&L Orchids' website... and, well, had to have it.

I have only so far bought Masdies that can withstand intermediate temps. This is my first foray into a cool grower. While I will be keeping it in an A/Ced bedroom, with my other Masdies, I want some extra assurances on keeping those roots cool. Also, in the winter, sometimes my wood stove gets cranking and my apt can get into the mid-80s, so I'm trying to think ahead. I have read some talk from Ray and others on the added evaporative cooling effect of using leca/semi-hydro and unglazed clay pots. My main question is basically, do I follow the same principles? I already have some 4'' clay pots, should I plug the bottom and attempt to drill the side holes, or would it be better/wise to use a deeper drip dish and use that as a reservoir? If plugging is best, what kind of material would I use to do so?

Finally, with a moisture loving plant like a masdie, could I safely water every day? Is it even necessary? I've noticed on some of my other s/h plants, the top 1-2'' do not seem to be moist. I'm not sure if it's just because I bought a cheaper leca or if that's just the way it is. I guess I could try the plastic cover that Ray shows on his website. I mist their tops daily, but they are more drought tolerant (i.e. Catts.) so I'm not so worried.

Thanks in advance!

[Ray]

Don't drill holes in the pot; just set it in a tray of water. That'll just be an external reservoir, rather than an internal one.

Once a plant is established with a good root system in semi-hydroponics, it is impossible to overwater. Daily is no problem. In fact, you'll find the plant will grow faster, as the frequent flushing will keep the rhizosphere as close to pristine as you can.

By the way, those plants will do much better with very pure water and extremely low doses of fertilizer.

[Salixx]

Thanks for the info Ray. Should I put something like aquarium pebbles in the very bottom of the tray to assist with flushing/aeration or does that just add a layer of unnecessary clean up and complication?

Good note about the water, I'll buy some distilled water just for this plant until I get around to getting an RO unit.

Good to know about it almost being impossible to over water! I am a 'fiddler' and want something to do with them nearly every day... it's part of the reason I am trying out s/h =D

[Ray]

No pebbles! There is plenty of aeration from the top. Even the holes in a standard S/H pot don't really contribute much.

Having the external reservoir adds a little bit of complication to the watering technique, but you're the one wanting to grow cold plants! I recommend:

• Put pot (less tray) in sink.
• Pour a large volume of your dilute nutrient solution through the pot to flush it and saturate it.
• Put it back in the tray, and trickle more of the solution over the medium until you have nearly filled the tray.

[wintergirl]

I put my some of my masdies in a clay pot with pellets and set it in a dish of rain water. Sort of a reverse Kool-log. Working so far.

[daddydoall]

Masde like cool roots, otherwise I would avoid clay pot, clay media as evaporative cooling is really excessive.

[wintergirl]

Originally Posted by daddydoall

Masde like cool roots, otherwise I would avoid clay pot, clay media as evaporative cooling is really excessive.

It is sitting in a plastic bowl of rain water, not much is going to evaporate.

[Salixx]

I received my M. chaparensis from J&L a few days ago. I hope it's okay - got left in my mailbox on an 85F day even after I spoke with the postmaster to have in left in the garage . Double bad because I often work out of this office... oh well. Might have to get a PO Box for the orchids!

Anyway, some of the older leaf tips withered and yellow/browned, but over all it looks good. It didn't drop its bloom right away, so hopefully it wasn't too stressed and won't be too stressed after this morning's repotting.

Here's one of my new 'babies' !




I'm crossing my fingers it will work out

[estación seca]

I haven't done this in a long time, but... you can have things sent to

You
General Delivery
City, State, Zip code

Then pick it up yourself at the post office. Works best if you talk to the shipper and the postmaster first.

[Salixx]

That's a good point about general delivery and have talked to the postmaster at my stationed office about doing that. I need to just do it already- it's pretty regular that my orchids get left at my landlord's house in the sun.