Orchid newbie seeks advice

[Donald]

Your growing conditions will be what dictates you choice of medium. Here in Massachusetts where my orchids experience humidity levels during the winter of around 40% I have my "phals" in clay pots with sphagnum. The moss drys out after about 7 days. I believe if you're in a more humid environment bark would be the way to go. It's all about your current conditions. Seems like your plant did OK with the moss.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Donald

Your growing conditions will be what dictates you choice of medium. Here in Massachusetts where my orchids experience humidity levels during the winter of around 40% I have my "phals" in clay pots with sphagnum. The moss drys out after about 7 days. I believe if you're in a more humid environment bark would be the way to go. It's all about your current conditions. Seems like your plant did OK with the moss.

This is an excellent point. Also keep your watering habits in mind.
If the media is still damp/wet in the middle of the pot after 7-10 days, it's a good sign that you should try something else that's more airy and doesn't retain as much water (so bark/coconut husk chips with perlite and charcoal instead of sphag moss)
You can use sphag moss as a top dressing to keep it more humid. Just don't pack it tightly- do a single loose layer.


As for vendors- Ray Barkalow sells good quality media at great prices. His site is already linked on this thread.
Orchid Growing Supplies Semi-hydroponics Hydroponics Orchid Books PrimeAgra

[Ecco]

Thanks a bunch for all the helpful advise and links. I think what I really need to do is get my phal out of the pot this weekend and take a look at it's roots to see just how well it's doing with the moss. I have been putting water in the tray under the pot lately to boost humidity around the plant. Think it is definitely making the moss dry out slower too though, as it's still a little damp after about a week since the last time I watered.