| FAQ's
- Transplanting Orchids into Hydroponics
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all orchids grow in this Hydroponic System?
Any orchid that grows in a pot
will grow in our system.
Technically, orchids can be clasified into two groups; terrestrial (orchids that grow in
leaves and debri on the forest floor),
and epiphytic (orchids that hang from trees and grow in the
open air with their roots exposed). Terrestrial orchids, those that grow
in the ground, are commonly
grown in pots. These types of orchids do
very well in our hydroponic system. Epiphytic orchids, the ones that grow in the air, are usually
mounted on wood slabs or grown in slated baskets without potting media.
Because these plants are not adapted to growing in pots (of any kind)
they are not suited for hydroponics. |
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How does one system work
for all orchids?
The
capillary properties or wicking action of the LECA
pebbles works the same with any plant. That means you can have confidence in your watering schedule because you know exactly
what's going on inside the pot at the roots.
Some orchids prefer dry periods between waterings (Cattleya, Dendrobium, etc.), For these plants simply adjust your watering schedule and wait a
little longer between waterings, for maximum air flow at the roots.
Once your plant adapts to hydroponics, the system
is very forgiving. And the water gauge eliminates the guesswork, so
watering becomes much easier.
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When is the best time for
transplanting?
The best time for tranplanting
is after the blooms have faded. Don't try transplanting when the orchid is blooming. Enjoy the flowers and
transplant after the blooms have faded. If your
plant needs help and hasn't bloomed as it should - the best
time for transplanting to hydroponics might be tomorrow! | | |
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What supplies do I need to
transfer my orchids to hydroponics?
Our Hydroponic
Starter Sets are where to begin. They have
everything you'll need (including instructions) for transfering two
plants to hydroponics. After you gain some experience with our system,
we have a complete line of individual components to choose
from for all your plants. |
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How do LECA pebbles work?
The
term "LECA" means Lightweight
Expanded
Clay
Aggregate. LECA
pebbles are made by heating small clay pellets to 2600F. At these
temperatures the clay expands, developing tiny air spaces at the core
and an extremely hard outer shell, giving them excellent capillary
properties.
To water your plant, pour the nutrient solution
over the pebbles until the water guage tells you to stop. The capillary properties of the pebbles wicks
the nutrient solution up to
the plant gently and evenly.
More at: LECA pebbles |
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| What size pot should I use?
Pot size is important with orchids because you want to establish a good wet/dry cycle. If the pot is too big the roots stay wet too long. When
transplanting into hydroponics we suggest using a pot the same size or
slightly smaller than the existing pot. Orchids don't like wet feet.
Another guide is the size of the
plant's root system after
all the bad roots have been pruned away. The remaining healthy roots
should fit snuggley in the new pot.
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| Do
transplanting techniques vary with different orchids?
The
transplanting process is similar for all orchids. Remove all
existing potting materials,
trim away bad roots, and plant into system.
Orchid care after
transplanting is different however. It's important to know what type of orchid
you're working
with. Some orchids require long dry periods between waterings
(Cattleya, Dendrobium, etc.). Others need more constant moisture
(Paphiopedilum, Phaleanopsis, etc.). Don't worry, we have instructions
to help guide you through. | | |
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| How will I know if my new
transplant is doing well?
Always
look for new growth. Many times the older, more mature leaves
will
turn yellow and fall off. Don't worry, your plant is busy
generating new roots for future growth. Another good indicator
is
how quickly the system dries out. Active plants will usually need water
every two weeks. If you're new to orchids, have patience. Orchids move slowly - don't try force them.
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| When I removed the
orchid from its old pot it didn't have many roots. Will it still grow?
Unlike
houseplants, orchids don't need many roots to stay alive. So if your
new transplant doesn't have many healthy roots, don't worry. Remove all
the bad roots and be careful with the water and your new transplant
should be fine. | | |
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| My hydroponic
orchid is outgrowing its pot. How do I move it to a larger pot?
Moving
a hydroponic orchid to a larger pot is easy. Carefully remove it from
the existing pot (cut pot if necessary). Give the roots a thorough
leaching. Leave existing LECA pebbles intact and repot into a larger
container.
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| My orchids never
bloom! Will hydroponics make them flower?
No.
Light and temperature initiate the flowering cycle on all orchids.
Without adequate light and proper temperature variations, your plant
won't bloom no matter what you do! | | |
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FAQ's - The Hydroponic System | | |
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