Switched to semi hydro. When should I check roots.

[leslieann79]

Hi y'all. I switched most of my plants over to semi-hydro last week. I used clear plastic cups with two holes punched about an inch to two inches up. I've done a lot of reading about semi-hydro, but there is still one thing I have a question about. The orchids I switched all are growing new roots. Some are growing new roots and leaves. I know that the current roots will probably rot so I wonder when I should check for the rotting roots so I can cut them off? A week or two or longer? Tia.

[BigSteve]

I usually wait until the new roots have grown long enough to reach the level of the reservoir before removing any mushy roots.

[leslieann79]

Thanks Steve.

[78Terp]

I'll be switching many over soon myself. I can't wait!

[leslieann79]

I was excited too, but worried at the same time. I do like it so far because it is very easy to see when to water. I just hope the plants adapt. I have a plant with two spikes and I've never seen it bloom so I'm hoping the semi hydro wont set it back too far. It is also growing new roots so I hope that will help.

[leslieann79]

I just wanted to update and say switching was a very good thing for me. I had orchids that showed no signs of life that are now throwing out new roots. I have one plant that is now growing new roots 2 spikes and a new leaf. Its been wild new leaves and roots everywhere! My catts, my dens and phals everything is growing like crazy in semi hydro.

[78Terp]

I am going to start with 7 orchids I have identified in my home now. Mostly paphs and phals, with an oncidium thrown in to start.

I don't think catts are right for s/h or am I wrong?

[leslieann79]

I have two catts that I switched over. I read somewhere that it was ok for catts. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will pipe in! From what I understand your current roots are adapted to their old media so they MAY rot when transferred to the semi-hydro environment. Which is why you want to transfer plants that are actively grown. I've read that some people's plants did not skip a beat and others had a time of adjustment.

[ksriramkumar]

I am going to start with 7 orchids I have identified in my home now. Mostly paphs and phals, with an oncidium thrown in to start.

I don't think catts are right for s/h or am I wrong?

I have moved all my hybrid catts. + few species to S/H and they seem to ok with it. some species did not like it that much and moved them to CHC+charcoal.

[coeruleo]

wait, when you transfer them to semi-hydro all the old roots die? why is this? i have not noticed people saying that before? i don't like risking having all the roots die.