changing medium? - Orchid Board

SusanE · #1 04-09-2007, 12:27 PM

I recently received some plants from Norman's Orchids (I probably won't order there again--they were considerably smaller than advertised). They are potted in sphagnum moss in tiny 2 inch pots. None are blooming or in spike. Would it be sensible to repot in bark? I'm new to this and feel as if I'd like to master 1 medium before branching out.

Susan

Djarum Black · #2 04-09-2007, 01:56 PM

Hi Susan,

What kinda orchids are they? Also do you like bark better then the moss? Are you more comfortable with a plant potted in bark then moss? The choice should really be yours and how you feel about working with the potting medium. If it's easier for you to work with bark I say move them to the bark.
I know someone who only uses styrafoam peanuts to pot plants with because it works best for them. It should really be about what makes you most happy and comfortable.

Shadow · #3 04-09-2007, 02:10 PM

I agree with DJ, but I would suggest to repot them even if you choose to keep them in moss. The old moss is very likely to be already decomposed .

justatypn · #4 04-09-2007, 02:20 PM

Susan, it is a medium of choice for what works for you...if at first you don't succeed try try again...orchids are very forgiving

. They will tell you within a month if they are happy with the choice.

Let us know what you ordered.

smartie2000 · #5 04-09-2007, 02:23 PM

What type of orchid are they. Some more moisture loving orchids I like masdevallias like to grow in moss.

If you prefer bark then definitely do a repot. I have repotted phals and catts that were grown in moss as soon as I got them in the mail

SusanE · #6 04-09-2007, 02:34 PM

Here's what I have in moss:

1. Cattleya walkeriana coerulea "blue moon"
2. Neof. falcata var. Amami
3. Oncidium Twinkle "Fragrance Fantasy"
4. Tbcm. Snow Gem
(Angcm. philippinense x Tblm. kotoense)

I have a few other, larger plants that are in bark.
I think I will probably repot them. Any further suggestions are most welcome.

Susan

Ross · #7 04-09-2007, 02:38 PM

For what it's worth, I have learned to repot everything I get new just to survey the roots and how things are going. I have best luck with a certain custom mix (as I am sure you do) and prefer everything to be the same as for pots, amount of drying, etc. I would repot if they were mine and just because sphagnum works best for some folks, doesn't mean it's best for you (or maybe it is).

justatypn · #8 04-09-2007, 02:57 PM

Love those choices...

1. Cattleya walkeriana coerulea "blue moon" C. walkeriana is as suitable for mounting, but mine at time of purchase is in medium fir bark & charcoal
2. Neof. falcata var. Amami The best time to repot is in the spring months in a bark mix. Keep dry for the first week to 10 days after repotting .

3. Oncidium Twinkle "Fragrance Fantasy" Fine-grade potting media, this type of onc has fine roots a coarser mix is not recommended.
4. Tbcm. Snow Gem best grown mounted or in baskets to provide perfect drainage and to favorably display the arching inflorescences.
(Angcm. philippinense x Tblm. kotoense)

Just my 2 cents worth

SusanE · #9 04-09-2007, 03:05 PM

Thanks, this is most helpful....

Susan

SusanE · #10 04-09-2007, 03:14 PM

Ross, what mix do you use? I'm new to this. I just went to a site where you can blend-your-own (repotme.com) and I'm lost.

Susan