What medium is best used for Oncidiums

[vintagebridget]

Hello everyone What would be the best medium to use for Oncidiums and Dendrobiums? I purchased ferti-lome by Lambert Orchid mix. It is made with peat moss chunks, orchid bark, hardwood charcoal and lava rock. I'm wondering if it would be best to use nothing but fir bark. I've been dwelling on this for at least a week now and would appreciate any thoughts so that I can keep my sanity

[dounoharm]

that mix should be good for the oncidium, and in a pinch for the dendrobium, but dens like a more dry mix...or one that holds less moisture...i use straigh chc for dens....gl

[vintagebridget]

Thanks The oncidiums are in straight spagh moss now (yuck) and the dendrobiums are in slab. Doesn't the lava suck up water the peat moss retain it? What do you think the advantage of mixing them together would be?

[Izzie]

I think a lot of it also depends on your watering habits. A medium that is good for someone that is prone to overwatering won't always work for someone prone to underwatering. (or for less extreme, if you have very humid vs. dry conditions)

[Izzie]

Browsing the different medias on Repotme.com can sometimes be helpful to learn the characteristics of each media: Orchid Media from rePotme.com
"Volcanic: This rock has good water retention with excellent aeration. Because it is inorganic, the mix will not break down and orchids that resent repotting can be left in their mix longer."

[vintagebridget]

Thanks I am going to try repotting today.