What can I do as far as these orchids go with putting them in a water culture?

louisejetzer said:What can I do as far as these orchids go with putting them in a water culture?

We need more info than that. What kind of light are they in? What kind of medium are they in? They look like they need more water than they're getting.

Why do you want to transfer them to water culture?

Can you post a clearer photo in a larger format?

Most of my Phalaenopsis are in Water Culture - I have been converting them for the last 2 years. Originally, I thought I would go with semi-water culture but, I was wrong. The roots don't rot but only 1/4 to 1/3 of the roots are in water. On the plus side, I don't need to worry about remembering to water or have someone come in when I go on vacation.

This is a thread in the Orchid Forum on just that subject.
The thread "Does anyone do water culture?" in Orchids forum

In my opinion, you only do water culture if you want your Phalaenopsis to stay small, produce fewer flowers and smaller flowers.

I could not imagine trying water culture in my super humid climate but I have seen Phal roots reach out 18" towards a water source. My son had a Phal near a large aquarium and the roots all stretched towards the water. He used to play games with it and move it from one side of the tank to the other and the roots would promptly turn around and reach in the other direction. They may not naturally grow in water but they sure know how to look for it.
I wonder if the water compensates for Daisy's super dry climate in NV? An orchid would not naturally occur in an area without humidity so accomodations are needed.

BigBill said:In my opinion, you only do water culture if you want your Phalaenopsis to stay small, produce fewer flowers and smaller flowers.

I'm not sure why you think that.

Because this is what they should look like.





These are what mine look like with a more 'traditional cultural method'. In recent years I have seen nothing like these images/plants come out of water culture. That is why I feel the way that I do.

I can tell your mind's made up.

It is an old mind! Very set in its ways.
But to be honest, up until 5-6 years ago, I could not grow a Phalaenopsis to save my life. Really.
It was embarrassing for a judge to have to admit to a culture class that I could not grow Phalaenopsis. But with my "Oreo cookie" potting regime, I haven't killed one and both of my sons are growing them using my simple method. Very cool.