Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings
Login
User Name
Password   


Registration is FREE. Click to become a member of OrchidBoard community
(You're NOT logged in)

menu menu

Sponsor
Donate Now
and become
Forum Supporter.

Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings
Many perks!
<...more...>


Sponsor
 

Google


Fauna Top Sites
LOG IN/REGISTER TO CLOSE THIS ADVERTISEMENT
  #1  
Old 09-30-2021, 04:34 AM
Jaxx10 Jaxx10 is offline
Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2021
Zone: 8a
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Zone 8a
Posts: 30
Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings Female
Question Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings

I have been reading alot and I'm kinda confused on balancing my environment with the needs of my orchids. I grow indoors (windowsill) until I can get an indirect sun exposure outdoors in the upcoming warmer months. Please provide suggestions you'd use in my case.

Environment: indoors only facing S-SW window & bathroom NE facing window
Humidity: 50-70 depending on season
Temp: central A/C @70-73F
Goal: To water all orchids at same time based on their needs.
Question: Ratio of media needed & type of pot (plastic or clay) pots with soldered holes to get them to be watered at the same time on weekly basis.

Oncidium:
Dendrobium:
Blc. Taeko Tamaki 'Volcano Empress'
Burrageara: Nelly Isler
Phalaenopsis: Grocery store type and Bellina
Catasetums: should I use the P.E.T method even if indoors?

Thank you guys ❤️
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
Likes SADE2020 liked this post
  #2  
Old 09-30-2021, 08:38 AM
Ray's Avatar
Ray Ray is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: May 2005
Member of:AOS
Location: Oak Island NC
Posts: 14,790
Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings Male
Default

There are likely many ways to accomplish your goal, but I’ll throw out a couple to get started.

Convert them over to semi-hydroponics. Once established in that culture, there is very little difference in the before-, and after-watering con dictions in the pot, so you can water at anytime.

Another option is LECA blended with rock wool cubes. You can vary the ratio to suit the needs of the plants in traditional culture.
__________________
Ray Barkalow, Orchid Iconoclast
FIRSTRAYS.COM
Try Kelpak - you won't be sorry!
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
Likes Jaxx10 liked this post
  #3  
Old 09-30-2021, 10:27 AM
WaterWitchin's Avatar
WaterWitchin WaterWitchin is offline
Administrator
 

Join Date: Feb 2011
Zone: 6a
Location: Kansas
Posts: 5,033
Default

I do as Ray suggests, because it's the only way I've found that works for me in my environment, with many different genus, species, and hybrids.

Catasetum... mine are grown inside, and I use a similar method as PET method. Whole idea is when they're growing they need a LOT of water. It's doubtful you could keep them on the same schedule as some of the others you mention without using that method.

If you choose a bark based medium, you'll need to experiment with ones that require drying out some as compared to those who need consistent moisture. Needs consistent moisture, add more water-retaining media to the mix (sphag, rock wool, etc). More moisture, use a plastic pot. Less moisture a clay pot and/or less moisture retaining media. Many different ways to tweak it. That's dictated by your environment and the particular plants you have. And almost impossible for someone else to answer, just in my opinion. There's no magic rule of thumb... you have to experiment, tweak, and watch your plants closely until you hit the right mix.

And if you go the semi-hydro route, there's still a learning curve to adapt the plants to the cultural method...
__________________
Caveat: Everything suggested is based on my environment and culture. Please adjust accordingly.
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
Likes Jaxx10 liked this post
  #4  
Old 09-30-2021, 06:22 PM
Dusty Ol' Man's Avatar
Dusty Ol' Man Dusty Ol' Man is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2020
Zone: 10a
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Age: 69
Posts: 1,316
Default

I also use the same lights Ray suggests. The company i s easy to deal with and the lights can be strung together to accommodate several shelves with only one cord to the power source. Check out their website.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-30-2021, 08:07 PM
estación seca's Avatar
estación seca estación seca is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Jun 2015
Zone: 9b
Location: Phoenix AZ - Lower Sonoran Desert
Posts: 17,755
Potting Media mixes to coordinate waterings Male
Default

Because individual growing areas and environmental conditions vary so much, you'll need to figure this out for yourself by trial and error. The individual plant makes a difference, too. When in active growth they may use a lot more water than during less active periods.

Potting in sphagnum moss can give the longest intervals between watering once you learn to use it. The larger the particles in the potting mix, and the less they retain water, the shorter the watering interval.

Realize there are going to be times when once a week is too often, and also when once a week is not often enough. You can't keep plants on a strict watering schedule.
__________________
May the bridges I've burned light my way.

Weather forecast for my neighborhood
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 2 Likes
Likes Jaxx10, MateoinLosAngeles liked this post
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
environment, facing, indoors, orchids, window


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Monn. Millennium Magic leaf yellowing, potting media issue Lori_TX Pests & Diseases 0 05-08-2019 08:22 PM
Orchid Potting Media, What size chunks for what orchid? emmajs243 Beginner Discussion 14 02-17-2019 08:25 AM
Cattleya roots completely embedded in decayed potting media, please help! Wathepleela Potting & Repotting 27 07-12-2015 01:50 AM
Potting media for brassolaelia mimigirl Cattleya Alliance 5 03-11-2015 07:47 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:08 AM.

© 2007 OrchidBoard.com
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.37 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.

Clubs vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.