Growing mixture for Cattleya / Cattleya

[jerseyjay]

I just got home with few Phalaenopsis. I have one, not so good looking, Cattleya. In addition I purchased Miracle-gro sphagnum peat moss, Miracle-gro Perlite, Orchid bark mix.

What is recommended mixture for Phalaenopsis and Cattleya ? I read that sphagnum peat moss : Miracle-gro Perlite (4:1) mixture is great for Phalaenopsis.

I want to repot newly purchased Phalaenopsis and strip unhealthy Cattleya roots and also repot.

What do you folks recommend ?

[kiki-do]

Hi Jerseyjay,
Do you have some pics you could take of the catt?
How bad are the roots and exactly what is wrong with them....soft, mushy, black? What do you have to clean up the roots with? Physan or listerine? Perlite and orchid mix is good for Catts. I am not so sure of the peat moss. Catts like to be soaked then let dry out. Moss might leave it too wet. Pictures would really help.

[jerseyjay]

Thanks for reply !

Notice some of Cattleya leaves are shriveled. Bark has some fungus on it. Definitely needs repotting.

If I'm not mistaken, Phalaenopsis got some burned leaves because I kept it on North / South side and even outdoor (*not smart).

I want to repot both of them and start fresh. In addition, I bought 3 Phalaenopsis today that I want to repot.

What is the best mixture for both Phalaenopsis and / or Cattleya. As stated above, I have sphagnum peat moss, Miracle-gro Perlite and Orchid bark mix.

[quiltergal]

Sphagnum moss and peat moss are two very different things. If you have peat moss save it for something else. It's not very useful for most orchids. Sphagnum moss can be used successfully but generally speaking is not a good medium for beginners. I would recommend going with a bark/perlite 4:1 ratio. Be sure and soak the bark for at least 24 hours before using. Make 2 or 3 water changes in that period. When it's ready to go you can then mix in your perlite. I'd go up a pot size on both plants.

As Kiki stated you'll need to clean them up a bit. If you're noticing leaf shrivel you most likely have some root rot going on. After you remove the old potting material give it a good soak in tepid water for 20-30 minutes. If you have some KLN use that at repotting strenth in the water bath. It's a rooting hormone. If you don't have any no biggie. Use sterile scissors and cut off any roots that appear black and mushy. I use a Q-tip and dip the end in some regular cinnamon from the kitchen and dust a little on the cut areas. It prevents infection. They are now ready for repotting. The Catt you will want to situate so the oldest growth is up against the side of the pot with the newest growth pointed at the center of the pot. This will give the future new growths room to expand into the pot. The Phals can all be centered. Gently tap in your new potting medium until the nooks and crannies are filled loosely, and the plant feels stable in the pot. Water them in and put them back in their spots... preferably not in direct sunlight.