Any sphag lovers out there?

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From what I have read here at OB, as well as in books, many people use bark when choosing a medium for their orchids. I was wondering how many of you here like using sphagnum moss for most of your orchids, not just for mounts, but for in pots as well.

If so, why do you like moss over bark?

I am currently experimenting with a miltoniopsis and odontocidum, which were re-potted into moss last weekend. Wish me luck!

[Orchidophile]

I have used it with every orchid I had even my cattleya's but now I am switching to bark. Back then I was a under-waterer but now I am an over-waterer so the switch is for the best. I stiil use sphagnum for my ailing orchids as it seems to have healing properties.

[lily99]

I tend to underwater, so I like it for phals, as long as it is packed loosely.

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Originally Posted by lily99

I tend to underwater, so I like it for phals, as long as it is packed loosely.

do you wait until the moss is dry before re- watering your phals? How many days do yours take dry until the next watering ( I know mine will be slightly different due to diff conditions)
Thanks

[Blondie]

I prefer bark because the upper layers of the moss and the edges can get dry and then I don't realize that the middle is still soaking wet--which can lead to root rot. I think a lot of people reject moss because they are afraid it won't dry out enough or evenly.

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Originally Posted by Blondie

I prefer bark because the upper layers of the moss and the edges can get dry and then I don't realize that the middle is still soaking wet--which can lead to root rot. I think a lot of people reject moss because they are afraid it won't dry out enough or evenly.

I agree, though it is bad to BUY plants in moss... they compact it waaay too tight, but when you loosely pot an orchid in moss, I find it dries just as fast as, only more evenly than bark. Well... we'll see... I'll update ya'll on my little experiment . Ughhh orchids are fussy...

[lily99]

I have my moss packed loosely enough that I can stick my finger down into it 3-4 cm. I water when the middle is slightly moist, which happens about every 4-5 days.

[Blondie]

Hmmm...just loosely pack it. SEE, I never would have thought about that. I might be ignoring a great medium for no reason. All I know is that every one I buy in moss is so tight it takes 15 minute to unravel.

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Originally Posted by Blondie

Hmmm...just loosely pack it. SEE, I never would have thought about that. I might be ignoring a great medium for no reason. All I know is that every one I buy in moss is so tight it takes 15 minute to unravel.

Yeah, when I purchased a few phals in moss, one 5"pot seems to fill 4 other pots when you take it all away from the roots.!!! I use only a hanful of moss and carefully place it around the roots of my miltoniopsis, I then place it in the pot, and lightly fill in the other areas with a bit more moss. It is nice and moist, and the plant seems happy

ps. you also don't have to pre- soak it for a while before using, all I do is take the amount of moss I think I need, dunk it in a pot of water,or run in through the tap, and then lightly squeeze excess water out!

[princessbydezine]

I like using moss, the trick is to pack loosely. I also stick my finger down into the moss to see how wet it is in the inside. With Bark I felt like I had to water everyday cause it was always too dry.