Unhappy orchids in semi-hydro - Why? (Experience report) - SLRPNK

Cross-geposted von: https://slrpnk.net/post/36671875 [https://slrpnk.net/post/36671875] > I have pretty much all my plants in semi-hydro, where I use LECA as a substrate, which is constantly submerged 1/3 in nutrient solution. > > Over the last years, I’ve transitioned over a hundred different plants (including finicky ones like Calatheas, ferns, etc.) from soil to hydro and never had a problem. > Sure, they are stressed in the beginning and a few leaves are getting crispy, but they usually recover in a few weeks and then really take off. > > Orchids are different tho. > I have mostly Oncidiums and Phalaenopsis, and Phals in particular somehow really don’t seem to like S/H. > Almost all roots are dying off in the beginning, and I’ve lost a lot of phals compared to other plants. > And even when they survive the first weeks, winter seems to take a big toll on them. > > They need to regrow fresh roots first, which need to be directed into the media, and then they really take off. After two years! > > > I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. > > Either that’s totally normal. > Many of the specimens I got were already pretty weakened when I bought them, and they would have died anyway? > > Or, the transition went too fast. > > Or, phals need really warm temperatures, and the constantly moist airy substrate is too cool due to evaporation. > > Or, there’s something special about orchid roots that makes them completely unable to adapt to new conditions. > > Or, maybe something totally different? > > > What can I do to minimise the losses? > > > > [https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/9e01c745-aa81-4649-900d-04ceb6c48fb0.jpeg] > > [https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/46521ccb-f86a-4a42-86ec-01d5a77eece8.jpeg] > > [https://slrpnk.net/pictrs/image/6697f75b-2c47-4241-bdf3-c155a69dfab9.jpeg]