Hello from Holland

Hey there orchid geeks.

I'm a lad with a passion for growing things, not just orchids. Although I must say since my childhood epyfitic plants fascinated me. I had a couple of dozen plants in my room when I lived at my parent's place. I think I became quite the fanatic. I went to look for fairs, other dutch growers, and botanical gardens. I tried various approaches into growing, including making my own terrarium, automated watering system, and attempts at moisture regulation for my windowside plants.

I admit that I have not been succesful over the years. Some plants survived for about a decade but, other than one dendrobium spieces, I have not been able to succesfully grow such that I could multiply them. Of the 50 plants (or so) that I had, 3 survived throughout the years together with my declining interest. Through the years I have learnt a thing or two. I need to be pragmatic such that I can realistically keep my plants hydrated. And apparently plants need nutrients, besides water.

Actually, my passion is more about creation in general, and I love going (quite) in depth in various facets of life, including but not limited to:
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, robotics, programming)
- Crafts ( Metal-work, welding, woodwork, blacksmithing, pottery, ceramics,
- Bee keeping ( currently have 8 hives. I love my girls )
- Growing plants (not limited to just orchids)
And I love combining techniques/knowledge from various crafts, if it suits a project.
Anyhow, I'm keen to take a dip in orchid growing again. Currently I'm fascinated by growing plants on ceramics, being watered through the wall of unglazed pottery. I have turned various pots and am experimenting with thickness, size, shape, clay type, and surface. I know some sources that have done this, and I will join or create discussion about this. Picture of initial moss experiments is attached. Feel invited to share thoughts, enthausiasm, tips or doubts on these plans.



TLDR: Hi, I'm Bart

 

Note: The newer pots will be bigger, as I'm getting better at turning them. They let through a decent amount of water to keep it moist to the touch, but not dripping.

Different spieces of moss have been applied. The lush green stuff you see is not grown onto the pot yet, so dont be fooled, as it looks better than I can righfully claim now. Also small particles of blendered moss has been applied over all the pots, as another experiment. We'll find out in the near future if the moss likes this environment. (and which spieces likes it, and which dont)