Miltassia Potting Question - Orchid Board

angeleyedcat · #1 03-07-2010, 10:33 PM

Hello

I have had a Miltassia Dark Star "The Orchid Works" for about 8 months now. It looks good, the pseudobulbs are plump, just checked and the roots look good and there are quite a few new shoots that are growing well. I have it in a medium size bark mix, in an east window. I tried it in more light and it wasn't happy so keep it there. This orchid loves it if I let it sit in a bucket of water with a small amount of orchid fertilizer once every 4 or 5 days for about 1/2 hour. It's impossible to leave this orchid for a vacation because it just won't go any longer without watering so I need a bit of help. I don't think it's under potted, it's in a pot that is about an inch, inch and a half around larger than it's root system.

Does anyone use sphagnum moss with this type of orchid? Or have any other ideas how to get it to hold onto water a little longer???

Thanks!

WhiteRabbit · #2 03-07-2010, 10:49 PM

well - if it's not in a plastic pot - you may try that - also coconut husk chips retain moisture longer than bark.
or if you go on vacation maybe someone can water it for you ?

angeleyedcat · #3 03-07-2010, 11:29 PM

Yes, sorry neglected to say, it is in a plastic pot. The houseplants and orchids I have are able to be left alone for a week or two if soaked well then moved to a dimmer spot and have all survived tho some not happily but they did. The problem is we usually have to leave right away without any notice so leaving them alone is just simpler. This orchid is the holdout lol. The last time we were leaving the neighbor who I can leave it with was also away. The orchid came with me which I will not always be able to do.

Coconut husk chips? Are they available at big box type stores or need to be ordered online?

WhiteRabbit · #4 03-07-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angeleyedcat

Coconut husk chips? Are they available at big box type stores or need to be ordered online?

I haen't seen them in box stores here - I have previously bought them online. I think it may be possible to buy them at hydroponics supply stores.
Some sphag in your potting mix is another option. Plant may need to be repotted more often if you use it. It breaks down quickly.