Repotting my Phal.-what mix is best?

[cl3322]

I have been looking at potting mixes- (my Phal is in moss right now, you can look at My Album) any ideas on which mix would be best? I wish i could find them for a little less but here they are.

Imperial
Orchid Mix - Imperial

Classic
Orchid Mix - Orchid Potting Mixes by rePotme

also, does this look like a good container to switch mine out for?
4" Slotted Clear Orchid Pot

Thank you for the help! Ive been learning a lot!

[jkofferdahl]

I'm personally not too keen on mixes with sphagnum for Phals. In my experience, sphagnum retains too much water, and so is best just for use in mounting. I personally mix 25% Aliflor with 75% bark and get great results. That said, different growers, different conditions, and different plants all have different answers. The mix I use is great for my home, and for my way of watering, but might not work so well for you.

The slotted, clear pots are wonderful! They drain well, and being clear they allow you to see in to monitor the roots for moisture.

[Ray]

Choosing Potting Media

[Amanda L]

I order from CalWest Tropical www.calwesttropical.com
There prices are nice and you can choose from an array of mixes for you plants. I use the Fir bark and charcoal. You have to get these separate, but it gives you the power to mix however much you want. Beware though, if your collection is small I would get the 1/4 CF. 1 Cubic Foot is approximately 7 gallons. They also have pots for really cheap. Hope this helps you. GOOD LUCK!!!

[peeweelovesbooks]

I use 1/2 coir and 1/2 bark for my indoor phals. I'm a heavy waterer so this mix is nice because it doesn't keep too much moisture. I use clear pots too.

[grlhiggins]

i also am not a fan of moss. i find it encouraged root rot on all my phals... : (
i am a bog fan of using bark and charcoal. i repotted a few to see how they liked it and they loved it!

[learning2letgo]

I personally use a mix of coconut husks and crumbled up packing peanuts (used for mailing purposes) because this works best for me. What works for one person may not work for someone else, but perhaps you could give this a try. My phals seems to love it and it promotes great drainage and aeriation of the roots as well.

I purchased my coconut husks from the reptile bedding section of my local pet supply store to be quiet honest. If you're planning on creating your own potting mix anyhow, I'd suggest buying it locally rather than order offline BUT if you're not too keen on creating your own mix, then by all means go for the online mixes! Best of luck to you!

[Lagoon]

You should try and see if you can't find some supplies locally instead of thru mailing, this can really save you alot of money. And the ease of just being able to pick things up is just great.

I really like the reptile bark made by Zoomed - I use this in a mix of peat and perlite. Even tho' the bark is small, it lasts a long time.

Repot me has some real nice mixes, but some items are a bit pricey and the shipping can also be costly. The folks there are wonderful to deal with. Good friendly service, they actually care

Any sucessful mix is brought on by trial & error - we learn what works for us.