Orchids – Advantages of Using Hydroculture to Grow Great Orchids

Hydroculture is a form of hydroponics that has distinct advantages for growing orchids. Hydroculture is also referred to as semi-hydroponics, a term popularized by Ray Barkalow as well as passive hydroponics. Hydroponics is often considered to be a high tech (and perhaps expensive) form of gardening without soil. Hydroculture is a low cost, low tech, alternative that does not use the pumps and recirculation systems generally associated with ebb and flow, and most other forms of hydroponics systems. There are three important components which together form the hydroculture system. These components are: special planters which facilitate water storage and distribution; use of an innate media with specific qualities instead of soil; nutrient solution.

The most common form of orchids grown in the home setting are epiphytic orchids. They grow in trees in the wild. It is likely a type of epiphytic orchid if an orchid comes potted in a course, quick-draining medium, generally some form of bark. The quick-draining material is designed to help replicate short heavy rains that occur in the plants natural habitat. Epiphytic orchids and others can thrive in a proper hydroculture system, and the following popular varieties have been proven to do quite well: Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Paphiopedilums, Phragmipediums, Masdevallias, Phalaenopsis, Oncidiums, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Miltoniopsis, Pleurothallids and Zygopetalums.

Advantages of Hydroculture

Before looking at each component that makes this system successful, it is helpful to take a look at the advantages of growing orchids with hydroculture.

• Hydroculture Is Cleaner than Soil or Bark

The media used for orchid hydroculture is generally a pellet form of expanded clay similar to a small pebble making it less likely to stain furniture or flooring, and easier to clean up spills.

• Non-Allergenic

By growing in an innate composite rather than soil many of the allergies caused by fungi, mildew etc. are avoided.

• The Growing Medium Never Needs to be Replaced

Orchids are generally purchased growing in some form of bark or other organic material. This organic media is continually broken down by micro organisms and eventually loses its water and air holding capabilities. If the right forms of innate media are used, they will not break down and can even be reused with proper reconditioning.

• No Odors

Odor problems associated with orchids and other potted plants are most often the result of decomposing organic matter. By growing in an innate medium this problem is solved.

• Improved Root Aeration

The hydroponic media used for hydroculture contains more air space than traditional potting mixes, delivering increased oxygen to the roots. This is particularly useful for preventing root rot in epiphytic plants such as orchids, whose roots are exposed to the air in nature. When using the proper hydroponic growing medium, superior and consistent root aeration is obtained because pebbles do not compact.

• Fewer Pest Problems

Because many of the pests that cause problems for orchids depend on organic growing media or soil for food and procreation, pest problems can be greatly reduced or eliminated by using innate growing media.

• Much Less Watering

Depending on the particular planter used, and the reservoir size, orchids grown in hydroculture may only need to be watered every one to three weeks.

• No Guess Work for Watering

Hydroculture planters make for easy inspection of water levels. Just before water reservoirs become dry, they are refilled with nutrient solution.

• Healthier, Faster Growing Plants

Because hydroculture provides more consistent water and nutrient supply, plants grow faster and are healthier.

• Less Need for Repotting

Hydroculture provides a much healthier growing environment for roots causing plants to have more healthy root systems that require less frequent transplanting.

• Less Work

Since routine maintenance is simplified, hydroculture can reduce the labor required for maintaining a large collection of plants.

This article covered the advantages of growing orchids with the hydroculture method. For information on selecting of planters, growing medium, and nutrient solution, as well as proper feeding and watering see: Orchids – How to Grow Great Orchids with Hydroculture