Transplanting Phalaenopsis to Hydroponics

Phalaenopsis are good candidates for transplanting to Hydroponics. Although spring to early summer is the best time to convert to Hydroponics, any time of the year will work. If your plant is flowering, we recommend waiting until the flower cycle is finished before transferring.
Phalaenopsis are planted in many different types of growing media. That's one of the reasons it's hard to judge how often to water if you're a beginner. Plants in moss stay wet and need water only once every 2 weeks. On the other hand, the same plant in bark will probably need water twice a week! Here's a look at typical growing media for Phalaenopsis - Sphagnum moss is a favorite for many commercial growers, but it tends to stay wet too long (more than 2 weeks!) and breaks down quickly.     This is a spongy, peat moss mix that is very inconsistent in its watering needs. Here is a bark mix that when fresh, may need water twice a week. As it ages and deterirates it turns into mush. Eliminate that decaying material! Both you and your plants will appreciate our clean ceramic pebbles.  Ready? Let's get started!
	1.  Soak pebbles for a couple of hours (or overnight) in a solution of 2-3 TBS of K-L-N Rooting Solution per gallon of water. KLN promotes new root growth while resisting disease. Save soaking solution for watering new transplant later.
	2.  Using both hands, carefully remove plant form grow pot. Sometimes roots  attach themselves to the side of the pot, especially clay pots. If this is the case, carefully break away existing grow pot without damaging the plant's roots.
	3.  Remove ALL POTTING MATERIALS from the roots. If you accidentently damage some roots just cut them off.
	4.  Trim away all damaged or deteriorating roots. Healthy roots are flesh colored and plump. Cut away everything else. Be aggressive!
	The left side of this photo shows what's left of the roots after trimming. The discarded roots are on the right. Sometimes it's necessary to remove almost everything!
	5. Wash remaining roots thoroughly, removing all potting materials. This should be pretty easy after all the old roots have been trimmed away.
	6. Fill culture pot 1/4 with pebbles from rooting solution. Arrange roots on pebbles base. Holding plant in position, add more pebbles to fill pot. Plants in Hydroponics should be planted slight deeper than traditional mixes.
	7. Tap pebbles down for stability. Correct planting depth is important. If plant is too high or wobbly, dump out everything and start over.
	8. Insert water gauge and place culture pot (and plant) into outer decorative container.
	9. There's your new plant - happy in its new home!