Sphag or NO Sphag

[Lene Th.]

I use sphag that i find my self in the forrest, but i dont use this on the orcihd itself, i use it to increase the humidity in the pot.

Ive tried different ways to raise the humidity without risking rot to the roots, and this seems to work fine, at least so far.

I pick will explain better that i can... This is the oncidium, the only orchid i have a little sphag around the bulbes as well, and a mix with bark. The phal i potted this way, is potted in medium and corse bark, and only sphag in the outher pot.



And it seems quite healthy.

[bodaciousbonsai]

its all in how loosely its packed in the pot. I pack it in tighter for the orchids that want to stay wet longer. such as my dracula vampira wich has two nice buds at this moment. For Phalaenopsis i pack alot looser. Works for me.For my masdevillia I pack medium.

[Ray]

As to the question of how long until the buds emerge from that sheath - I'm sorry to say this, but it looks like a "blind sheath" to me, as I can see no evidence of buds forming within it. Sometimes a plant will do that the growth immediately before it is mature enough to bloom.

[susiep]

Jackie, one thing to consider about about the grower's use of moss versus the collector is: he is working with small/young plants in small containers which he will be getting rid of soon. At home we have different growing conditions. In south Florida, moss breaks down and gets hard too fast. It's not good for large pots. And I seem to see more fungus gnats around moss than bark. I leave plants that come in moss in it for a while, but at the first repotting I change to something chunky. However, I am curious to see how it works for you, so keep us posted!

[Jkelee]

Hmmmm, now I'm scared to death to do this in our wonderful Florida heat! I have them in a GH, with windows, fans, exhaust fan, humidifier sometimes.

I repotted all my big boys and girls, and about 30 small seedlings. Now just have about 200 more larger seedlings to do.

I wasn't having much luck with what I was using- Aussie Gold mixes, for ALL types. I bought them ALL $$
I lost alot of seedlings from it too

I just listened to the orchid nursery man, and he said he keeps everything (very very large one's too) in moss, and they love it. So that's why I thought I'd try it too? I'm now worried I've wasted alot of time and $ on this

I noticed that they are drying out quite fast now, making me water more. I don't know if that's bad or not? They are completely dry before I water again, I promise I didn't pack tightly, so they can take a breath once in awhile!

I hope and pray I didn't make a mistake here
And that my more watering habits are ok in Blistering FL right now!? With NO CHANCE of RAIN! Just chance of more fires

Also, My prayers go out to those of you involved, or near all the horrible fires down here right now

[Jkelee]

Hi,

Do you think that it's ok for Larger ochids, not just seedlings to be in moss? As the nursery here has ALL, big and small in moss.

Originally Posted by susiep

Jackie, one thing to consider about about the grower's use of moss versus the collector is: he is working with small/young plants in small containers which he will be getting rid of soon. At home we have different growing conditions. In south Florida, moss breaks down and gets hard too fast. It's not good for large pots. And I seem to see more fungus gnats around moss than bark. I leave plants that come in moss in it for a while, but at the first repotting I change to something chunky. However, I am curious to see how it works for you, so keep us posted!

[susiep]

Jackie, you have very different growing condition (greenhouse, fans, etc) than I do. My plants are outside in nature (heat, rain, drought). So I have found moss is not good for me. Plus, I only repot when I absolutely have no choice (lazy) and bark will stay habitable longer. Also, when it isn't raining, I water with the hose and just drench the heck out of them. I don't have to worry about overwatering with bark. Since you have a greenhouse (and seem to be much more conscientious than I am ), moss should work well for you.

[Jkelee]

Ok my dear. I will try it out, and see how it goes... And let you know.

I'm scared though, on the watering nearly daily? I promise they are DRY before water hits them again, but I don't know if they can take every 1-2 days watering?

I guess time will tell

[dianecty]

Citra, when you say controlling the water, what do you mean? How do you know if it's time to water using sphag? How much water do you put? thanks!

[Dorothy]

Jekelee - I moved your last post to the Greenhouse Gardening forum for greater exposure - Orchids in Sphag in the GH - Tips and Suggestions