Orchids sitting on moist sphag? Good idea?

[Maree]

I recently bought a Brassia, Zygo and Massi. They all seem to dry out within a day or two. They are in what looks like bark, perlite and charcoal. I hate to transplant since they are all in bloom. Would it be a mistake to sit their pots on a bed of damp sphag to help them retain moisture for longer than a day or two? I made some sphag moist and put it between the plastic pots and decorative pots they sit in. I would love to get them on a 7-10 days watering schedule with my catts and phals. Any info appreciated.

[RosieC]

I've heard that sometimes people put Sphag arround the top of the bark to retain moisture. Maybe that is something to try although I've not done it myself (very humid where I live anyway).

[Donald]

You should consider giving them a daily misting with a spray bottle.

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[Sandy4453]

Placing the spagh. around the pots will definitely help these, cannot hurt. Putting some spagh in your next potting for these, is what I'd recommend. Spagh. is not hard to work with, just more specific or precise as to when to water. Cattleya and Dendrobiums (except decidious Dends.) are the exceptions and never get spagh. (speaking, personal preference, not gospel ) In Winter, I always add some spagh. to my Vandas just to prevent too much drying out. I (personally) love spagh. and have it mixed in most of my alliances, more in some than others but, especially my Phals.

The spagh. should help with your concerns for these.

Good luck!

[Maree]

OK, this is my plan. I will water every 3 days and put sphag around the top of the pots to help hold in moisture. Thanks for everyone's -Mel

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Maree

OK, this is my plan. I will water every 3 days and put sphag around the top of the pots to help hold in moisture. Thanks for everyone's -Mel

Hi Maree,

just my one more cents worth:!
In my growing conditions I have Sphhagh on top of my pots (covering roots that are out of the pots) the sphag dries out in about 3/4 days, but not the medium in the pots. Before watering, I would really recommend you check the 'wetness' of your medium in the pot rather than just the layer of sphag at the top...
Good Luck

[Orchid126]

Are you sure the medium is really that dry? Often the top layer is dry while the center is still moist. You might want to check using a skewer. Trim the skewer down and put it in the pot. When you think the medium is dry take out the skewer and touch it to the back of your hand. If it's dry, water. If it's damp, don't. How wet or dry the skewer is before you water will depend on the type of orchid.

[Maree]

I have used the skewer with my Aussie Gold and it always feels wet, it may work better with the bark mix I have the new plants in, I will give it a try - thank you so much for all the advice.

[Maree]

Skewers are in place