Great Potting Media for Specimen Paphiopedilum?

[NYCorchidman]

Hello, this is for all the paphiopedilum lovers.

What do you all use for large multiple growth paphiopedilums?

I am dreading repotting as large paphs I dealt with in the past had so many roots, it was hard to remove old mix and to get new mix in between the roots properly leaving lots of empty space.

I have used a mix of coconut husk chips and clay balls with good results. It lasted for about four years without repotting.


I am looking for something that will last for a long time so I don't have to repot for years.
Another important quality I'm looking for is something that is easy to remove at the time of repotting, and easy to fill in between the roots.


I'm now considering tree fern fibers. I wonder how long tree fern fiber lasts.
I read that it last very long without going bad.
It is also supposedly very open mix.

Anyone use straight tree fern fibers for large paphs??
Or would that be too dry? I'm not wanting to water every day.

Also, anyone grow paphs in inorganic mix, but not semi-hydro?
I am trying a couple of cheap hybrids (that I won't miss losing) in clay ball with just a little bit of organic mix and so far so good, but this is an experiment on smaller paphs for now.

I wouldn't take a chance with big paphs that I spent a lot of time and attention.

Any good input will be appreciated.