Types of containers for potting media?? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Linnie · #11 11-09-2006, 03:04 PM

Thanks Tony, I appreciate the info.

Tony · #12 11-09-2006, 03:13 PM

If overwatering is a problem for you, try growing in clear plastic pots. I use them for all my orchids, and it's much easier to see what needs water with them. I buy mine from Quarter Acre Orchids, one of the forum supporters.

Linnie · #13 11-09-2006, 03:23 PM

I did just buy a batch of plastic pots and clay too.

I've been using the SH culture for many of my plants and that really helps with the overwatering. But I hate to use just one medium, so I am trying others too.

I started following one of the members idea of keeping a kabob stick in the medium to detect moisture and that has really helped me out, though , not before I killed a two vanda's, two phals, two catts....

wallyworld · #14 11-09-2006, 04:40 PM

When I have made my paph mix, I use a Rubbermaid container to store the mix. I usually by a 2 cu. ft bags and mix it all together. My wife says it is like a witch mixing her pot when I do it. It is lava rock, treefern mix, cattleya mix and dolomite.

Ross · #15 11-09-2006, 05:26 PM

I think the mix is really going to relate to your growing conditions. You and Tony are pretty much in same conditions. However for me a mix of fir bark and charcoal works best because I have a problem with humidity in summer. Winter not so much. If I use much Sphagnum, I will rot roots, pretty-much guaranteed. So listen to Tony as the local expert! However I agree, pot dry and water like crazy to wet the mix. Store dry also!

Linnie · #16 11-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Wally, what is the cattylea mix you mention?. You live in my general area too so growing conditions should be similar.

Ross, I ended up rotting two of my phals that were in spagnum before I found out I didn't need to water them as often.

I love the idea of mixing up a huge pot of witches brew!! Actually, my parents refused to buy me a chemistry set when I was a little girl, so I am making up for it now LOL

Thanks

Tony · #17 11-09-2006, 06:26 PM

I wouldn't call myself an expert yet, I'm just starting out here in Florida. I may wind up changing my methods later on, right now I'm just taking what I know from growing in Oregon and trying to guess what will work here.

Ross · #18 11-09-2006, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony

I wouldn't call myself an expert yet, I'm just starting out here in Florida. I may wind up changing my methods later on, right now I'm just taking what I know from growing in Oregon and trying to guess what will work here.

Sorry... I doubt Oregon experiences count! Where were you in Oregon? That might help. But I still say, keep the mix dry till you need it, then wet it down! Now as to the formula for the mix, that's where you southerners have to debate!

Ross · #19 11-09-2006, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linnie

Ross, I ended up rotting two of my phals that were in spagnum before I found out I didn't need to water them as often.

Thanks

Sphagnum is not needed or good for Phals. They want good drainage and great air circulation. I have best luck with medium fir bark with 25% charcoal mixed in - no sphagnum at all!. If there were a way to get high humidity (like misting) to the leaves and surface roots, while keeping the substrate dryish, that would be ideal!

Tony · #20 11-09-2006, 07:02 PM

Ross,
I grew up in Eugene. Nice hot summers, cold and rainy for the other 10 months.

Sphagnum can be good, but it's tricky to use. I wouldn't use it in pots unless it's a very small portion of a mix, like my Paph mix. I use it for my Brassias in baskets, I have one in 50/50 sphag and tree fern, another in 50/50 sphag and styro peanuts. I haven't had them in long enough to see if either mix works better yet, but the one with styro seems to dry out a bit faster than the tree fern.