S/H: better or just different?

[driggs]

i have a question. does using the S/H technique benefit the plant more so than bark or other media? i realize that this method reduces labor and provides a constant supply of water in addition to decreasing routine maintenance. furthermore, i can see that the added ambient humidity through evaporation is essential. BUT is it a better way to grow OR just another alternative?

i have not tried this and am very interested. i would also like to add that i am a "puttzer" and like to fuss over my plants daily. would this take away from the tending to i so enjoy?

[Pensacola Eric]

I would have to say another alternative. Only because so many growers do wonderfully with the traditional bark methods. Me, I prefer s/h simply because it takes the guess work out of watering and I don't have to worry about a mix being broken down or not and needing a repotting. I've had successes and failures with both methods and still have some orchids in bark mixes. But the majority of my orchids are in s/h, they like it, I like it, so we are all happy. If you are happy and successful growing your orchids in the mix you use then I would say stay with what you are doing. If you want a change and like what s/h offers then change to it. But I caution to start slowly if you switch.

Hope that helps, happy growing.

[RoyalOrchids]

I'd like to give it a try too. My Paphs kind of hate me. Maybe S/H would perk them up?

Driggs, I fuss over them too! I look forward to repotting!

[Ray]

I generally agree with the "alternate" versus "better" assessment, however, if you consider that a constantly moist root environment means the nutrient ions are always available for absorption, if the rest of your conditions are sufficient, the overall growth of your plants will be improved through semi-hydroponics.

A caveat, though: it is not a cure-all. If your overall culture is lacking, S/H culture will not make up for your deficiencies.

[snow]

if you like fuszing all the time with your orchids, i recommend s/h as overwatering is practically impossible.
it is also so much fun watching the roots grow through the clear plastic pots.
i made thechange in nov- oo7 and sofar i am verry satisfied

[Pensacola Eric]

Royal, I feel s/h works best with paphs and phrags. The few problems I've had have been with other orchids (phals).

[Des]

I grow all my cymbids in S/H and will not be changing to any other system soon if ever. They do so well in the system I use, that visiting club members are amazed , i love seeing the look on their faces when I tell them they are looking at a plant which is only 2, 5 years from flask and it has just about filled a 250 mm pot. And when i take a plant out of the pot to show them the vibrant root system , it knocks their socks off ! Some of them go home converted . But most have been so brain washed by reading books written by experts which have repeatedly stated that if you stand your cymbids in water the roots will rot . Well i have been trying to get roots to rot for about 7 years now and have yet to experience this !.

[Des]

Here are some examples of root growth in S/H

[razka3]

Des,

You do S/H with bark?

[driggs]

amazing. where do you suggest i do my research before i take the plunge? most of my orchids are begining to root now as the days are becoming longer in northern illinois. i won't bother you with giving me advice before i have done some extensive reading. any recommended sources? thanks a ton. GREAT PLANTS by the way!