Phals blooming in clay pellets and wood baskets

[Aerial]

Originally Posted by mtorchid

Thanks Aerial, I do like how this is sort of a cross between potted and mounting. The difference between the bloom rates in yours could be the containers since you're using the same medium (clay pellets). Are they getting the same heat/light? The drainage in each container and material (glass v plastic) would effect the evaporation rate and interior temps of the roots as well. So many variables!

Yes, they are getting the same heat/light. I think that there are variables. For one thing, the mini had a good root system starting out and I repotted it in the spring, if I remember right.

The big orchid didn't have a good root system, and I may have repotted in the winter, but I could be wrong about that.

Also, the vase that the mini is in is much smaller than the plastic pot, therefore it's creating that "rootbound" feeling that phals seem to love. Plus, the vase is tall and has no drainage so I usually leave some of the water down at the bottom, which then wicks at least part way up keeping things wetter.

I don't know, maybe I need to water the big orchid more often.