Types of containers for potting media??

[Linnie]

The two phals I bought at an orchid show came potted in spagnum . One came from Thailand and another was local here in Florida.

There was a discussion about the good properties of spagnum in the AOS forum recently. I hate that stuff now but I know that it works for some people in some conditions, just not mine...

Sounds like Tony, Ross, Wally and all agree that I should be storing my mix dry... so I guess I will follow your good advice..

[Marco]

I keep the boxes they get sent in and they get stored in there

[Sandra Billeter]

When we use bark mix for potting, we soak it for an hour or two before using it. I think the the dried bark would be harder and sharper and probably cause more damage to the roots during potting when you compress it into the pot. We use a rubbermaid bin to store it dry.

Sandra in South Carolina

[wallyworld]

Hey Linnie...sorry for the long wait for an answer. I use a mix of media for my plants. Usually I get the media from OFE International in Miami and I usually get 1 or 2 cu ft bags. My mix is:

1 part of cattleya mix
1 part of phalaneopsis mix
1 part lava rock
1 part of dolomite

The cattleya mix has treefern, coconut chips, spongerock, bark.

The phal mix has shredded coconut, spongerock and I believe more bark.

This mix gives you organic and inorganic elements so it doesn't break down as fast. If you buy from local dealers, most of them get their mixes freom either OFE or Tropical Plant Products. This is what works for me.

[wallyworld]

I forgot to add....I use this mix for just about everything except terrestrials. Phals, paphs, catts. If you have any questions, let me know

[Linnie]

Thanks so much Wally. I just went to visit Orchid Island Orchids and brought home four more orchids. I only meant to buy ONE warm tolerant cymbidium, but I just couldn't pass up the others...

I have to say I am truly addicted now.. Can't have just one, orchid that is ..

And I'll need more potting mix now, I'll check out the OFE

[eveslyn]

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Orchids! I store my smaller amounts of media/additives in 10 gallon galvanized garbage pails/lids (they look like little soldiers all lined up) and the larger amounts of bark and CHC in 30 gallon plastic garbage cans/lids - outside. I soak the media on an as need schedule, sometimes adding a little Physan/rooting hormone. The CHC gets a double soak and rinse with epsom salts and calcium nitrate added to the final soak to remove as much of the salt as possible. Some experienced growers use damp medium and others pot only dry. I prefer soak and dry method.