skip to main content

Anyone using semi-hydro?

16 years ago

Haven't been here for a while and notice no one is talking about growing in semi-hydro anymore. Have people given up on it? I still grow some plants in this medium but some aren't happy so I change to bark or sphag. If you are growing using this method, which varieties are happy for you?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (18)

claritamaria
16 years ago
Hi Dotty
Oncid types (do very well for me in s/h)
paphs (have a couple, been less than 1 year, we'll see)
masde's

Clara
scott361
16 years ago
I just rarely feel the need to talk about it anymore.
Most of mine are growing in some personalized form of it.
I've pretty much said all that I need to say about it.
I love it and use it for many different plants, not just orchids.

Scott
Related Discussions
gritty mix vs semi-hydro comparison?
Q
Comments (16)
if you are making your own nutes using individual chemicals, then yes you will want to test the pH initially. However once you have a recipe, you don't have to test. If you want to reuse nutrient solution in a to waste system, then yes you would have to test the pH. If you just drain the waste to say landscape plantings then no you would not test that. Hydro is usually done in an inert medium. However, as the u. of arizona quote above shows, non-inert media like sawdust can be used. I will agree that the line between hydro and conventional starts to be blurred by using non-inert ingredients. But I think that the intent of the nutes being used helps clarify that. If you are using nutes that don't require biological breakdown like nitrates it's closer to the hydro bright line. If you are using nutes like urea that do require breakdown and will work on the medium it's closer to the conventional bright line. there is definitely a continuum. Not every synthetic would be hydro. Urea and ammonium are going to require biological activity (yes you can use those in a recirculating hydro setup but the results are generally not great). Those are the most common synthetics used by commercial growers. Nitrate based hydro nutes are much more expensive. A lot of commercial growrrs also use composted bark for moisture retention. That combo is much more conventional than hydro. Those media breakdown quickly and they have to repot evey season. that last bit about organc and synthetic is just confused because of the erroneous vernacular use of 'organic'. Organic hydroponics are just nutrient solutions of immediately available nitrates from 'organic' sources. The whole semi thing cracks me up a bit. 20 years ago if you walked intoa hydro store you would find decorative cotainers for houseplants that were passive systems that look exactly like the semi containers. They were rightly called hydroponics. They were usually from Europe and they would be filled with hydroton or leca. Then along comes one orchid grower in the US that felt that people were afraid of the word hydroponic does the same thing and brands it semi-hydroponics and puts it on the web and poof, people start calling passive hydroponics, semi-hydroponics. Of course, all the people in Europe that are still doing the same thing are doing passive hydroponics. Books on hydroponic houseplants still refer to that system as hydroponcs. But that guy sure gets a lot of hits because he convinced people that semi-hydroponics is something different than what people have been doing for decades.
...See More
Semi-Hydro for Hipps?
Q
Comments (29)
Tina I believe if you get the nutrition down to a system for your plants in s/h you'll find they beat out most other plants grown in more traditional mediums. The nutrition is key. Because of the inert nature of the clay, you have to the one provide what the plant needs. Orchids are very easy to grow in s/h because they are not heavy feeders. It has been my experience with hippies that they are not heavy feeders as well, but there is a careful balance to strike. I found that having a quarter strength, balance fertilizer does the trick for me. In the Spring, Summer and Fall when it is safe for me to have the plants outside, I will water them a few days a week with this method but will flush the pots thoroughly with fresh, unfertilized water between each fertilized watering. This will get rid of gases and other nasties that build up as a result of natural processes but most importantly, it'll carry away salts that build up. I see you're in zone 8 so I do caution you on clear pots if you plan on growing outside. Though the water provides some cooling through evaporation, you can cook your roots if the pots are not shaded. My remedy? I cut mylar in long strips that shielded the pots from direct sun-- kept the roots warm but not hot-- worked well. But anything will do-- a board, other plants without clear pots etc. Good luck!
...See More
What is s/h or semi-hydro
Q
Comments (0)
s/h and semi-hydro are shortened terms for semi-hydroponics, a method of growing plants using a non-organic medium. Because it is not an ebb and flow method, it isn't true hydroponics. Common materials used as a growing medium are LECA (clay pellets), Aliflor, Primeagra, and sponge rock. Probably the most common material is the clay pellets. The plant is planted in a container which has a reservoir, usually a plastic pot with holes approximately 1" up from the bottom of the pot on the side, or Misco or Misco-type self-watering pots. The clay pellets wick the moisture up so that the roots of the plant receive constant moisture without drowning it. In preparation, the pellets are soaked prior to potting up. Some pellets are placed in a pot, tamped down by shaking the pot. The plant is then held over the pot with the roots about 1/3 to 1/2 down the pot. More pellets are placed in the pot. The plant is then watered. When the reservoir is emptied, the plant is watered again. Once a month the pot is flushed by running water through it to rid the pot of excess salts/fertilizers. Image by: Lisa Quintana Home made (L) and purchased s/h pot
...See More
rooting in semi-hydro media
Q
Comments (11)
> I prefer rooting in a permanent pot as well due to less disturbing of roots. I just thought of how to reconcile the desire for them to share their rooting hormones (if that even happens and if it's beneficial) with the goal of minimal repotting and root disturbance, as well as not entangling their roots. It can look something like this: Cuttings would be in their individual containers in a hydro medium, but with a layer of water underneath in the tray, through which the hormones can be shared. They can live there indefinitely or can be repotted into your favorite medium once rooted, weakly or very strongly, because it's going to be a while before they get really entangled into a rot mess underneath - and even then the roots inside the pot do not have to be disturbed. Communal pot rooters, do you see any disadvantages with this? I guess this does take more space than communal pots. Even with tiny 2" pots, cuttings are 4" away on average. They can be closer in a communal pot. But if you do not have space for 2" pots, then what are you doing rooting all those cuttings anyway? - this would be my question. > 3. Less need to hover. It takes longer for a communal S/H container to dry out than a 2.5" pot. That's a good point. I'll have to watch out for that if rooting in individual pots - especially if they are not sitting in water. I plan to put them into a container though, and drying out there will be much slower than out in the open. > I will use a bag over the top of an individual potted plant from time to time. Me too, when the plant is taller than my rubbermaid, or if I am out of space in the containers. Bagging is ugly as hell, but it has to be done sometimes, in order for them to get through the winter. Once when I was rooting a bunch of cuttings, I put a dry cleaner's bag over ~ 2/3rds of a tray like in the pic above. It helped, I think. > I've had good results keeping mitrata cuttings alive that way. What is it about mitrata? It looks pretty tough and succulent, but often hear how difficult it is to grow. It's on my wish list, ~20% because I like how leaves are shimmery, spotty and curvy, and ~80% because it's challenging to grow, apparently. Call me a glutton for punishment, I guess. > Not to give another IKEA plug, but my favorite rooting storage bins are these because they are 100% clear. Since you have to buy the lid separate, they are more expensive than when Rubbermaid goes on sale at Target. Rubbermaids come in clear. Not that I am a brand fan of Rubbermaid, not at all. My container is actually some no-name brand, whatever was cheap in the store, but I call it rubbermaid as people call a photocopy a "Xerox" or to search "to google". Mine is non-transparent, unfortunately. It was bought for a different reason, but now I am using it because I figure, the light comes from exactly above, so it's ok. I am probably losing some light intensity, but it's reflected light, so I am sure it's not much. But if I was doing it from scratch, the container would be clear. I do not use lids. I cut a dry cleaner's garment bag to rough size to cover the top and keep that film there with clothes pins. It's easy to change the vent size - just peel the film back more or less. No need to shift the lid, which might block some light or otherwise take space, depending on your grow space configuration. I might check out that IKEA bin though, it looks interesting. > I need to buy some identical communal rooting vessels. Something like these? :-) Clockwise from top: (1) hamburger patty container from my supermarket, (2) and (3) are both salad containers from the same supermarket, (4) and (5) are both (I think) cookie containers from... you guessed it! - my local supermarket. Or one of them may be from Trader Joe's, I think. Although because your vessels are in use permanently, you may want something less ghetto-looking. :-/ Are there Marshall's or TJ Maxx stores close to you, GG? They both have nice inexpensive glass bowls often that you might like to replace that broken bowl you lost. They also have a good selection of glass terrarium looking things, by the way, so they are on my mind as well when I decide to go that way for orchids or hoyas. > The real problem for me has just been that none of my other setups have performed as well as the one that cystiantha is in. So, do you think it's cystiantha that's helping? Or is it something else about that setup, you figure? > I think it's just so mature that there is an established microbe ecosystem in there. Oh, this answers it, perhaps. I wonder if adding something like K-L-N or Hormex to that pool of water in communal semi-hydro rooting pots will help create a root-welcoming environment. My K-L-N is in the mail, and I am going to try, I think. > So, I guess what I'm recommending is that you set up a S/H vessel and you keep it constantly active. Hmm, something to think about for sure. > I haven't tried grow stones. It would be interesting to compare the performance between grow stones, small hydroton, and large hydroton. Then I'll definitely be glad to share some of mine in the package I am mailing you next week! They are light - lighter than hydroton, I think. I have had limited but quite remarkable experience with growstones. There are only 4 species I have now (or had ever had) in it. Of those, 3 have bloomed, which makes for for a 75% blooming rate. That rate is ~10% at most for the rest of my plants, in my normal medium, even though the average age of those plants is older than those in growstones. I have no idea why I am not stampeding to repot everything to growstones, frankly, when looking at these numbers. I should at least try growing (not just rooting) a few more cuttings that way - which makes that growstone tray idea from the top of this post sound even more appealing. Ugh, sorry for a huge post. Gotta learn to be brief. Some day, not now. :-)
...See More
linda_sh
16 years ago
Just put my Dendrobiums in it a few months ago...after lots of other people raved about it....so far so good.
highjack
16 years ago
All my phrags are in it except two. Most of my paphs - some love it and some hate it but that may be a nuitrition problem with them. Two phals love it but a third one tried to commit suicide. Also a dozen catt type and all of those are doing well.

Next potting, I'm probably going to try a few oncidium types.

Brooke
johnndc
16 years ago
Pretty much everything I have is in it. I've found that good lighting is the key, for me at least, as it is to so many things related to orchids. And I mean GOOD lighting, having a light set-up, etc.
claritamaria
16 years ago
There should be no nutrition problem with s/h. Back when Spiced_ Ham was a regular poster, his advise was to mix a weak fertiliser solution for s/h. This is how I've been doing it every time I water. Masde's are the exception. They are extremely sensitive and don't need a lot

Clara
highjack
16 years ago
Sorry Clara, I guess I should be more specific. The nutrition problem is coming from paphs that do better with the addition of lime rather than just the MSU for rain water I am currently using for all orchids. Thanks to the t-man and a link he provided, I am in the process of trying to correct the problem and the problem paphs have only been the list of limelovers.

If the problem is not corrected, I will Kevin the plants. He has taught me, if they don't perform, toss'em, without guilt.

Brooke
secdes
16 years ago
Almost everything I have is in S/H I think you either love the stuff or hate based on your results. Best results I have had is with Onc's, Phals, Zygos, Dend's. Have used it for going on 4 years with MSU used full strength in spring-summer half strength Nov-Feb. Supplemented with superthrive and epsom salts twice a year. I also change up fertilizers during growing season.
Chris
terpguy
16 years ago
quote brooke: if they don't perform, toss'em, without guilt.

Only my personal mantra :)

I've backed off S/H a bit in the last few years. The pots get brittle after a while and break, and I get tired of finding little pellets around everywhere.
dottyinduncan
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the responses. I've still got some in s/h but some I have moved to other media. It's interesting to see what thrives...and what doesn't! I don't think I fertilize enough.
julysun
15 years ago
Long time between S/H posts. Lately I have been using a glass drill bit, turning pretty pots, cups and whatever into S/H containers. I am simply tired of ugly pots under my pretty plants, and, the s/h pots become brittle after a few years. I am a regular now at the second hand stores, looking for attractive and cheap pots-to-be. If you try this hold the pot under a small stream of water in the sink and drill slowly, be safe, make sure you are using a GFIC outlet, should have these anyway in your kitchen.
jank
15 years ago
Thanks, julysun, for the idea and tips for making more durable s/h pots. Have been systematically replacing the plastic ones as they crumble in hand---some from as far back as 2003.

Guessing the algae growth would be less and therefor less sludge buildup in the pot, too. That would be another plus.

Any problem with getting them out of the pots when they get too big??
julysun
15 years ago
Grin, not yet! Plan to just crack them if all else fails. I do hear some folk just set them in a bigger pot, that sounds a bit much for me.
jank
15 years ago
Yeah, that's why we should hit the yard sales and dollar store, huh?

When the plastic fails, I usually shake off most of the prime agra (or whatever) and shoot the root ball with a pretty strong stream of water to get rid of as much "dirt" that has built up from disintegrating algae as possible. Then I load up the new (sometimes same size, sometimes larger) pot with fresh medium.

I have noticed that some dendrobiums (pahl-types) seem to be suffocating from too much "silt/dirt" formation, especially the ones I allowed fern or violets grow so many roots in---thought it was pretty before I realized what a thick strangling root system they made!
julysun
15 years ago
Jank, plastic pots with a hole in the bottom can be mended with silicone and re-drilled for Semi-hydro. I like straight sides, not so tippy. Anyway, good growing!
ray_ratliff
15 years ago
I have been using S/H for a while now on several Phrags, Phals, & Cymbidiums. I have a kekie of Asctm. Mimiatum that I started a few months ago, so far so good.

I do have a question for everyone that has tried lots of different genera, have you tried Angraecums? I have several plants that I purchased at a recent show that are a year or so from blooming that I am thinking about trying. Has anyone tried Angraecum? What are your thoughts?

-Ray-
Sheila
15 years ago
Love growing SH. I use it for all my mixed collection.

julysun, I too haunt the resale shops for nice containers, but have only been using them as cache pots. Thx for the tip on drilling them & planting in the pots. I too hate the tip-overs and clay pellets everywhere. DH doesn't even complain anymore about pellets scattered here/there/everywhere! I get ambitious every once in a while, take a bucket and do a general pick-up!
floridian
15 years ago
Hi Dotty

I used to have my whole collection (catt's, den's, onc's, phals) in semi-hydro but ended up last year switching everything but the phal's back to more conventional medium. It's not that s/h didn't work - my plants all did great, but I grow them outdoors here in South Florida and the plastic pots didn't last very long in the strong sunshine. I would pick up a pot and it would literally shatter and disintegrate in my hands, spilling the primeagra all over. I keep my phal's in s/h because they are in the shade but have moved the catt's etc into wooden baskets. An advantage is that I can easily hang the baskets and I have installed multiple closet rods in my pool enclosure so they are all neatly lined up hanging there, easy to water. Which is good since I find I have to water more often now. If I were growing indoors in a colder climate, I very likely would have stuck with s/h because most orchids I tried (other than the vandas and related types) really do like it.

Just goes to show you - there is no one perfect way to grow all orchids in every climate and every situation... so we experiement and find a way that works for each individual situation.

Cheers!

Annette

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Bathroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your bath from blah to ‘ahhhh’ with just a few easy and inexpensive moves

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 9 Tips for Living a (Semi-)Normal Life While Your Home Is Being Shown

By Laura Gaskill

Preparation, routine and treats help you make the house you’re selling presentable at a moment’s notice

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: How to Use White Right

By Laura Gaskill

If you’ve ever been in white-paint-swatch limbo, you know white can be tricky to work with. Here’s how to get the fresh look you’re after

MOST POPULAR 7 Soothing Spaces: How to Use Color to Create Calm at Home

By Jennifer Ott Design

Started your new year on the wrong foot? Feeling the February blahs? Maybe you need a color fix in your home

PAINTING What to Know About Milk Paint and Chalk Paint — and How to Use Them

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Learn the pros, cons, cost and more for these two easy-to-use paints that are great for giving furniture a vintage look

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

KITCHEN DESIGN Cooking With Color: When to Use White in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Make sure your snowy walls, cabinets and counters don't feel cold while you're riding white's popularity peak

DECORATING GUIDES Taste a Rainbow: 11 Top Home Decorating Colors and How to Use Them

By Vanessa Brunner

Prime yourself for spring painting season with our color-happy guide to working with popular shades around the home

ACCESSORIES Easy Green: Cut Electricity Use With 15 Unplugged Home Devices

By Laura Gaskill

Crank up the energy savings, courtesy of household items that come into power the old-fashioned way: manually

BATHROOM DESIGN What to Use for the Shower Floor

By Debbie Snider

Feeling Good Underfoot: Shower Tiles, Mosaics, Teak Slats and Pebbles

Sponsored

More Discussions

My first keiki!

2

Will Orchid stem regrow? NEWBIE

7

New spikes and terminal spike on orchid.

12

Orchid root rot

1

Orchid - Roots vs. Stems?

5