miltoniopsis in S/H?

[Linda3406]

I just recieved 2 miltoniopsis orchids in flower. I didn't do my research on these before buying. Now that I have them, I have to figure out how to get these to survive here in Texas without all the humidity they love. I am thinking maybe S/H would help. If I can get them to survive until the flowers die and new roots growing. They already have yellow leaves developing. I think maybe that is because of the shock of transport from wonderful Hawaii to here. I have had them just a week. What do you guys think of this?

[clintdawley]

These plants love s/h. Wait until they stop blooming and new growth appears (followed by new roots). New roots growing is the key to switching to s/h.

[Linda3406]

Thanks, Clint. I was thinking that would be a good way for them to grow. I have a Burr right now in flower that I am waiting on to drop flowers and start new root growth so I can convert to S/H.

[moniluhum]

Please tell me what S/H means?

[Carolla]

As I have just learned, S/H is semi hydroponic (look it up on the net). I'm excited to try it on some of my plants - just put the first two in yesterday and want to do another tomorrow. I don't really have any experience, but I'm excited to learn!

[raybark]

As the developer of the culture technique, let me pass on a caveat or two to you:

DO NOT just "drop" plants into a new culture method and expect success, just because others are successful. Your other growing conditions play a HUGE role in your success or failure. I may have more experience with S/H culture than anyone out there, but I cannot grow a dendrobium that way to save my soul, while I have heard others call them the "ideal beginner S/H plant". Another example, for folks who grow in the home during very dry winters, especially if you push the thermostat down at night to save money, may have issues with excessive chilling of phalaenopsis roots due to evaporative cooling from the open, airy medium. Phals HATE cold, wet roots.

Here's the most important thing: move a plant into S/H culture just when brand new roots are emerging - and I don't mean new growth on existing roots. Root cells tailor themselves on a cellular level to the environment into which they are growing. Once they have grown, they cannot change, so if the old- and new environments are different, the existing cells are "sub-optimal" and will eventually fail. New roots will optimize for the new environment and support the plant. If the plant loses the old ones before the new ones can grow sufficiently to take over, the plant will suffer.

[Carolla]

Thanks, the ones I moved are just starting new roots, one Cattleya and two of the Oncidium types. My Oncidium/Odontoglossums seem perpetually too dry. I'll keep my Phals in large bark for now, they've done fine in that. The little Cattleya was a small freebie and actively growing, just starting roots on two new growths. I'll watch them closely, but the Cat (noid) just looks happy - the new baby roots are full and plump.

[Maddie]

That's funny, Ray; I'm one of those that think SH and dens are made for each other.

[raybark]

There you go, Maddie.

In my presentations to orchid societies, I use a slide in which I say that tolumnias absolutely cannot be grown in S/H culture. Sure enough, about two years ago I saw a beautiful tolumnia grown that way in full (ten-spikes!) bloom.

I have a nearby customer who wins awards left and right for her semi-hydroponic cacti and succulents!!!! Who knew????