Switched to semi hydro. When should I check roots.

[lijun]

question,..............
is this a risky thing? what are the chances the orchid die during the switch?

[ksriramkumar]

Yes. you could loose it ,if you move during their dormant period

[thepiecesfit]

In my opinion, never take the orchid out of the LECA to 'check'. I have an orchid that was putting out two new roots that were stunted by this checking when I put it in a larger Leca pot with more medium. Luckily it had many other emerging roots that are still growing. Give it time and if it looks like its wilting then check on it. One of my orchids didn't respond till two months later.

My own obsessive compulsiveness towards root checking has lead to killing many orchids in the past. Let the plant establish itself, don't move it and don't touch it unless watering. Orchids like to be in one spot also don't like moving around the house too much. Others can chime in on this, but the roots are a bit sensitive and could easily send your plant towards demise if you handle them too much.

[78Terp]

Welcome to the Forum!

Another reason I like translucent pots. You can see some of the roots, at least the ones closest to the pot 's wall, thru them.

[thepiecesfit]

Welcome to the Forum!

Another reason I like translucent pots. You can see some of the roots, at least the ones closest to the pot 's wall, thru them.

Thanks I've been reading these boards for a while. But figured its time to get involved Nice to exchange info with others!

[ksriramkumar]

Concur with Harvey. Idea of using translucent pots is to check the roots through it. removing and checking the roots would destabilize the plant and does not allow it to settle down in an environment.

[Ron-NY]

I have found with S/H translucent pots that I get quite a bit of algae formation.

[78Terp]

I have the algae growing in my s/h translucent pots.

Can I use Physan to eradicate it without removing from the pot?

[Ron-NY]

it should kill the algae but it will not get rid of the dead algae from the pot and medium

[78Terp]

That is OK, I can use a 'label stick' to scrape the inside of the pot I think.