when to re pot Phal's and is Miracle Gro orchid soil good?

[reor]

snlreor@yahoo.comHi,
I'm new to orchids but acquired 2 plants. So I was going to re pot some and could only find Miracle Gro for orchids in my town so that's what I used. The biggest pot actually had 3 smaller plants in it so about a week ago I re potted them individually. Now that gives me 4 plants. They all seem to be doing good so far. However the one I didn't re pot has a spike growing so I thought I would pull it out and change it's planter medium but noticed it had lots more roots. Should I re pot it into a bigger pot or do they normally have a lot of roots? And is the Miracle Gro good stuff? Thanks

[quiltergal]

Typically the premixed orchid media that you can buy in the big box stores is already about half decomposed. I usually don't recommend it to anyone. I think a lot of those mixes are intended for semi-terrestrial orchids anyway. It's really hard to find good quality media outside of an orchid nursery. I generally order online.

There are several good places to order potting supplies from. I have used both of these and been satisfied. I'm sure there are others as well.

http://calwesttropical.com/
rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer

[reor]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll check out the site you suggested.

[PinkCloud]

Many don't recommend the Miracle Gro Orchid Mix. And I have heard a lot of bad things about it. It seems to bee too much like dirt and since it usually sits on the shelves a long time and has time to decay even before you get it home!! I've heard that it can cause a lot of root rot! You can order some good stuff online from rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer I haven't used them myself as posting to Northern Ireland would triple the price for me..
Or then you could mix some fir bark, perlite, charcoal together and make your own mix. You'll have to see what you can find locally.
What about do you know what kind of orchids you bought? Different orchid species can have a little bit of different requirements. If not you can just post some pictures and we can id them for you.
Also repotting one that is spikeing might desturb it too much and it might not bloom for you. If the media that it is in is good enough I would leave it until it had bloomed.

[johnblagg]

I would stay away from anthing advertised as ORCHID SOIL....unless you are growing a terrestrial orchid perhaps

[Daethen]

I have used Miracle Grow and nearly lost the orchids that I had planted in it. I would recommend ordering some if there is no nursery locally. I have also heard of a few people finding coco chips for reptile cages to use.

[lucRiv]

My poor Phal... the Miracle Grow Orchid Soil is EXACTLY what mine is planted in! I've already repotted it twice (the first time when I took it home from the store, and the second when I put it in a smaller pot). The little guy is doomed in my inexperienced care.

I already tend to not like Miracle Grow anyway- I have other houseplants which do really well and I love gardening outside and when the stores in my area started to really push the Miracle Grow "Moisture Control" I found out how soaking wet it is!! I had about 7 plants in my office at work that ended up ALL having fungus gnats because of it. I won't use it anymore.

But unfortunately, the Miracle Grow Orchid Mix was all the was available when I bought the plant.

[BobInBonita]

I agree with most above, but not all.

Miracle Grow should be avoided. Not only is ot too fine and moisture retentive for most orchids, but it contains fertilizer already. It is too "strong" when fresh in my opinion.

The disagreement comes with the comments about the mixes available at "big box" stores. I have had very good luck with the Better Gro "Special Orchid Mix" and the Better Gro "Orchid Bark" that both Home Depot and Lowes sell. THis brand has the "Endorsed by the American Orchid Society" logo. I have used these for years, and only had one bag that was decomposed looking. That one bag had obviously been wet, and was probably a return.

[johnblagg]

Originally Posted by lucRiv

My poor Phal... the Miracle Grow Orchid Soil is EXACTLY what mine is planted in! I've already repotted it twice (the first time when I took it home from the store, and the second when I put it in a smaller pot). The little guy is doomed in my inexperienced care.

Not true ....if its not already dead it still is totaly possible to save it .....and you are in the right place to get advice