So the keeping orchids in water culture experiment is finally, thankfully, coming to an end. In a short while my orchids will return to the balance of water and air that I, and I think them as well, feel most comfortable with. But here are my final thoughts on the matter, take from it what you will and what you think is valid.

1. Older roots of your orchids will die as they are not adapted quite at all to water. If switching from moss to bark might leave some roots alive, adapting them to water will most probably kill all older roots. Phalaenopsis are the exception as they are more adaptable.

2. The more dried material you leave on your orchid, the more it will get molds. Some orchids just have a sheathy rhizome, in which case it is inevitable you will get mold, dead materials do rot. So be careful to stay on top of that and remove as much dead material as possible. Phalaenopsis are the exception as they don't have sheaths.

3. Sympodial orchids which grow through new pseudobulbs each season will be prone to the 'rotten eyes' effect. The velamen absorbs moisture and keeps the base of the plant moist almost at all times. This can lead to available eyes rotting, meaning the orchid will have trouble creating new growth. Phalaenopsis are the exception as they don't have growth eyes.

4. If the water gets stale it will accumulate bacteria which will manifest through a coat of slime around the roots. This might prevent the roots from properly picking up nutrients. Phalaenopsis can get this too.

5. Not all roots will adapt to water, some will not grow well in water no matter what. Which orchids won't adapt? I cannot tell you, it's slightly random, mostly those who like to really dryout in between watering, but it's not a rule. Phalaenopsis seem to have no problem with that, at least for a while.

6. If you are not on top of refreshing water and cleaning the container you'll be prone to algae and some molds, which will smell bad. So make sure you keep things clean. If the smell doesn't bother you then I guess you're ok, but algae feed on nutrients too.. the more algae, the more they steal.

7. If you thought this was a time saver.. you might be disappointed. I think staying on top of water changes, water level, cleaning and so on will improve your experience. However it will not improve your time management.

Final conclusion: not only is it not for me, like many other things, but I truly believe it is wrong. We have such great results with the way we grow orchids now that I do not understand the need for it, the need to make them adapt to this totally new environment. Is it time saving? no.. is it water saving? maybe, but sphagnum moss is water saving too and is a lot more airy. Is it risky? very.. Why the fandom for this technique? what are the true benefits for it other than.. fun? (I am not having fun watching them suffer really). Oh.. don't take Phalaenopsis as true examples, it's like comparing lettuce with weeds. In the end it is your choice, I have too strong negative feelings for this thing to even admit it as a viable growing method with benefits.. it's simply not in my eyes.

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