what kind of medium is this for my phal?

[glitchathon]

Here are some photos of my Phalaenopsis from Costco. What kind of medium is this and should I switch to bark?






So far it has done well and has bloomed twice this year.

Thanks for any advice!

[Izzie]

It looks like plain 'ole sphag to me- maybe dyed to make it more aesthetic.
I'd switch to bark- it's easier to control the water retention, and the roots won't rot as easily.
Now would be a great time to repot anyways since it's done blooming. You'll find a bajillion threads about repotting phals, medias, cutting the flower spike, etc, on this board if you search for them, and in the Member Articles section that is linked on the left side of the page.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I recommend switching it out.

It's probably some brand of moss from China or something.

[Izzie]

What kind of fertilizer are you using? Your leaf veins are rather prominent...

[WhiteRabbit]

I think that may be decorative moss on top - tho it's possible it's also potted in sphag moss. Actually the Phals I got in the past from Costco were in bark, but guess it all depends on the grower they get them from

[glitchathon]

Originally Posted by Izzie

What kind of fertilizer are you using? Your leaf veins are rather prominent...

The bottle says Dyna Gro 7-8-6
Does the leaf look bad?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by glitchathon

The bottle says Dyna Gro 7-8-6
Does the leaf look bad?

The leaves don't look that bad. They're just a bit veiny.

Nothing too serious.

Have you checked the roots yet? I highly recommend doing so asap.

[glitchathon]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

The leaves don't look that bad. They're just a bit veiny.

Nothing too serious.

Have you checked the roots yet? I highly recommend doing so asap.

halfway down the roots seem to be healthy

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by glitchathon

halfway down the roots seem to be healthy

Um...

What about the other half?

[glitchathon]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Um...

What about the other half?

i'm a bit hesitant to pull it all out. Is it stressful on the plant? I was planning on repotting it within a week with bark so I will examine it soon enough.