Sponge as a media for phalaenopsis

[Dillon123]

Has anyone tried using sponge as a media for phalaenopsis
? I think I should try because it has lots of aeration and moisture. Anyone else think I should try?

[WhiteRabbit]

If not squeezed out, sponges are very wet. They also seem to break down quickly.

[NYCorchidman]

Sponges break down??
Oh, are we talking about the real sponges? Natural sponges I mean.

Like Sonya says, I too think it may be too wet.
Something coarse material might work, like the eco web that Ray sells. I haven't tried it yet, but definitely interesting! and probably no more fear of repotting?

[AussieVanda]

Fish tank filter sponges come in differing grades of coarseness, don't see why it shouldn't work

[Ray]

Many moons ago, I used kitchen sponges cut up into cubes. That way the roots got air and water.

Worked OK, but accumulated slats and waste really quickly.

[WaterWitchin]

I use scraps of Matala mat at times. It's a pond filtration media. Works well for me. Especially since it gives me a way to use up the scraps.

[Optimist]

It would be a neat experiment. New celluloid sponge, not natural sponge. There are some fibers that can be used for growing orchids, many on tubes that slowly wick the water. Some Tommymiami threads in miniatures or terrariums speak of these. I believe that you would want an orchid type that likes to remain moist. There are plenty around. I think zygopetalums are an easy to find type. Masdies like to never dry out, yet remain not too wet. Phals like a humid environment, but they need to dry out. I've has more luck this season than ever in my life with phals after I just "gave up" and put them out with my other orchids. Its sun and water that they use as food. More water will not compensate for not enough "bright shade."

---------- Post added at 07:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 AM ----------

There are loosely woven bio filters used as fish tank filters that look like they would suit your needs better than a kitchen sponge.

[Fairorchids]

Aside from problems mentioned by Ray, orchids need to be planted firmly in the pot/basket or on the mount, so the roots can get a grip. I don't see sponges providing that firm foundation.

[NYCorchidman]

That's a good point!

Maybe clip or stake will be useful?
Or if cut into smaller pieces, I would think that the stability issue is pretty much like using chunky bark mix?

[tarev]

I use epiweb cut into cubes, and one side of that cube has hygrolon and also hygrolon baggies. So far works with my Phals