Phalaenopsis in Moss?

[Monkmonk]

I recently picked up a phalaenopsis and quickly noticed that it was planted in some sort of moss. None of my other orchids are planted in moss and I was wondering if there was really a difference in the way that they plant will mature? What really concerns me is that in the store there was a much bigger phalaenopsis and it was so heavy that it would have actually fallen over onto the floor had that plant not been in a carrier. The whole plant was leaning over and you could see clear down to the bottom of the pot because all the moss seemed to go with it. Is this a good potting material in the long run? If this plant gets that big someday then is this a major problem or is it just an anchoring issue? Thank you. Some pictures below will show the type of moss that I mean because I don't know exactly what it is.

[CodiMN]

That's sphragnum (spelling?) moss. Some people use it to promote higher humidity levels, or quick (but not always hearty) growth.

I just use a little bit on the top of some of my orchids to prevent too much evaporation in my drier climate. I just got a new phal a few weeks ago that actually prefers moss to other medium according to the grower. So I'll wait and see what to do with that one.

As for your plant, I would repot, or at least take it out of the pot so you can check out the roots. After you check out the roots, then repot in the medium you feel most comfortable with.

Lots of people on the OB here have had good luck with a semi-hydroponic medium, others prefer a bark mix, etc. It kinda depends on your preference and your growing conditions.

You have some great questions tho, but yeah, check the roots and let us know...maybe some pics?

Have you ever repotted an orchid before? Let us know if you need help before you start.

[Cruetsonly]

Looks like a pretty standard commercial potting job in sphagnum moss, to me. I grow all my phals in moss because I have dry growing conditions, but I don't water them until the pots feel very light. Moss can quickly rot your roots if it is left soppy and wet. I even have some of my catt alliance orchids in moss and they do very well if I don't overwater.

[Monkmonk]

Originally Posted by CodiMN

That's sphragnum (spelling?) moss. Some people use it to promote higher humidity levels, or quick (but not always hearty) growth.

I just use a little bit on the top of some of my orchids to prevent too much evaporation in my drier climate. I just got a new phal a few weeks ago that actually prefers moss to other medium according to the grower. So I'll wait and see what to do with that one.

As for your plant, I would repot, or at least take it out of the pot so you can check out the roots. After you check out the roots, then repot in the medium you feel most comfortable with.

Lots of people on the OB here have had good luck with a semi-hydroponic medium, others prefer a bark mix, etc. It kinda depends on your preference and your growing conditions.

You have some great questions tho, but yeah, check the roots and let us know...maybe some pics?

Have you ever repotted an orchid before? Let us know if you need help before you start.

Thank you so much of your advice. Everyone I have come across so far on the OB is so friendly as seems so eager to help.
I have never repotted an orchid before and I would really like to switch the medium just because none of my other orchids are planted in moss AS LONG AS the plant will continue to do well. Should I repot after it gets done flowering or does it matter? I was thinking that if I do it now then it might shock the plant, the buds will fall off, it will curse my name and then burst into flames. Okay maybe it wouldn't happene exactly like that, i'm just paranoid. I just watered it for the first time and now it is extremely heavy. I just have this feeling that the moss is retaining too much water. I let it drain mind you and the moss was almost completely dried out except for the middle about half way down. Now it is very wet and I'm concerned. Thank you again for all your help.

[Cruetsonly]

Don't repot while it is still in flower/bud. Wait until the last flower falls off. Then cut the stalk above a node and see if you will get more flowers. Sometimes you will get lucky, but I have to admit I rarely get second bloomings from a plant that I purchased in bloom. I only get them after I've repotted into something better and I grow the spike myself.

Once the last flower has fallen off, then repot into a more suitable medium remembering that phals like it somewhat moist but not totally soggy. Repot when you see new root growth and that will minimize shock.

Best of luck!

[horses_too]

One thing to remember about commercial sphagnum planting is that it's geared to maximum efficiency for the commercial growers - so the moss is generally VERY densely packed and then watered under controlled conditions. Enjoy the blooms while you have them, but if you really like the plant I'd almost opt to cut the spike and repot sooner especially if you see active/new root production.

One option you might consider in the interim is popping the entire root/moss mass out of that pot and putting it in a size larger one pretty much intact. You should probably put some white packing pellets on the bottom of the pot, and then fill in the new space lightly with new moist medium - either bark mix or fresh sphagum. That will buy you some time, but is really a stopgap measure.

When you're ready, make sure the root/moss mass is wet and gently tease the old moss out of there. Wet makes the teasing easier, and helps you keep from breaking roots. You'll be surprised at how much moss is there! Carefully examine the roots, and trim mushy/dead ones using a fresh razor blade or sterilized sharp snips. Do it very carefully so as to avoid any damage to the healthy roots. Then repot into your medium of choice - don't even consider re-using the old moss! And if you do choose to use moss, invest in the good (and more expensive) New Zealand long-fiber. The other stuff is just begging for trouble.

I grow most of my phals in moss/pellets, though have perhaps 100 on mounts (species and primaries). This works well for me, though I have a greenhouse and my growing conditions may be very much removed from yours.

Regarding the size issue - I've used river rock (the fairly small stuff, but not aquarium gravel) in place of the packing pellets to provide additional stability without losing air circulation. And do use a pot which offers that circulation - I like the air-cone ones, though you probably won't have a local source unless there's a nearby nursery that has decent orchid supplies. They are available online, and you can order the good sphagnum from the same sources.

[Hedge]

I love this site! I was going to ask exactly the same question and here it is fully answered and then some. My phal is a mini one and the roots look really healthy in the moss but I will repot when it stops flowering.

Another rescue orchid..... in a supermarket with three dead flowers so half price.

[kiki-do]

While you wait for the blooms to go by, you can look online or at an orchid nursery for different orchid supplies and find a good phal mix. I don't recommend buying the "one size fits all" type orchid medium you can find in HD, Walmarts, or Lowes. It's big stuff, not suitable for all orchids and contains alot of large rock. My opinion only.
Might as well get some supplies that will best suit your plant. You have the extra time now. Good luck!

[Chococatte]

hello Phalaenopis don't like swimming pools. I grow mines in a mix of CHC & perlite. It all ready depends on you growing conditions; how out quickly the medium will drys out between waterings through evaporation and what's taken up by the plant.

Another tip that others have passed on is too use a wooden chopstick place towards center of culture medium. Check the stick between waterings (preference: back of hand) to gauge how wet or dry the medium is before next watering.