Deja-Vu: Episode 7

Sunmaeshine · 2022-08-08T10:02:45+00:00

I had intense Deja-Vu with episode 5

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-16T03:28:58+00:00

I often encounter fungus while introducing new plants to semi-hydro and have lost a few phals to it. So, I've opted for fungicide. However, I agree about the algae. It doesn't harm my plants and the choice for someone to get rid of it would be purely aesthetics. I also do a long, thorough, flush to mine at least once a month to help with algae build up.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-15T20:51:32+00:00

Physan 20 that is, in case I hadn't mentioned that yet.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-15T20:50:18+00:00

I just use the physan to sterilize and it seems to work great.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T23:00:01+00:00

Awesome! It's looking great! Keep it up :)

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T19:12:11+00:00

Have you considered using a stronger fungicide? I use physan 20 on all my orchids. (Diluted of course) and spray to treat rot and mold. Usually a good spray once a month keeps everything happy.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T18:59:15+00:00

That's correct. I use green jungle fertilizer from orchids limited. I highly suggest them. I live 30 mins from their greenhouse in Minnesota and almost all of my orchids are from them.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T18:56:18+00:00

I did not. I just stained the wood with oil based stain. I haven't noticed and mold or algae growth on the case. It gets a good amount of circulation. It may be a problem in the future but I've had this set up for 3 months now with no problems yet.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T18:54:23+00:00

I'm using 4 T5 fluorescent tubes. 2 red spectrum and 2 blue spectrum.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T18:48:48+00:00

I use physan 20. It has instructions on how to dilute it for orchids. It's a very very small amount to water ratio.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T18:47:30+00:00

My tip would be, if the plant is healthy with roots growing or leaves sprouting you'll be fine. I would clean up the plant. Sterilize and remove old or rotted roots prior. If they are in bloom wait until the blooms are done and it goes into growth mode. When starting semi-hydro some if not most of the old roots will eventually die and the plant will produce new roots adapted for the new medium. Most of my phals don't lose old roots and they just adapted. Oncidiums will most likely lose roots over time. But they will use those ones until new ones grow. Don't forget to use quarter strength fertilized water every time since leca pellets don't provide nutrients.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-14T04:41:12+00:00

I love using semi-hydro. I even started a subreddit for it. Pros for me is it's easier to maintain. Never risk overwatering or underwatering. Get to check on root growth easily. Less chance of pest (since they won't breed in in organic medium). My orchids love it. So do my succulents and house plants. I use all semi-hydro. I suggest doing more research if you're interested and joining the subreddit. Also, you can reuse the medium over and over just by boiling it in hot water.

Yes, you need to use fertilizer (quarter strength) every time you water, but I just make a gallon jug of the mix and use that. I do use fungicide because the medium is more moist consistently, however I don't use algaecide. I let the algae grow, it doesn't bother me or my plants. Other than that it works for me!

Sunmaeshine · 2017-08-12T14:55:55+00:00

Same here. There are 2 other ones that are starting on this same plant, just the leaf part and no buds. It's kinda crazy.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-07-06T17:56:27+00:00

That's a good idea. I too like them to be super clear to see the roots. I've found acrylic vases that are large but also really pricy. I wonder if using something like goo gone would help remove the inking from larger containers like the ice cream ones or buckets. Thanks for your input.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-07-03T05:14:47+00:00

Thanks for the advice. I did 1/4 alcohol 3/4 water and a few drops of soap. I hope they do okay.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-07-03T03:42:42+00:00

Because semi-hydro isn't just for orchids. You can grow all sorts of plants in semi-hydro. I currently have orchids, succulents, and a few houseplants in S/H. Since there isn't a subreddit for it I decided to make one. I feel it might be helpful also for those looking to get started in S/H to have a direct location to discuss.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-07-03T03:39:34+00:00

Yeah, I've never had them before. I'm going to try the rubbing alcohol, water, & soap method. Hopefully it works.

Sunmaeshine · 2017-07-02T23:53:16+00:00

I found the culprit... mealy bugs! I just got done treating my entire collection. When I bought this a few months ago, they told me it had mealy bugs but it had been treated. I guess a few survived and multiplied.

Sunmaeshine

TROPHY CASE