New Phal in Moss--Moss advice?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Blondie

Oh, so nervous. Don't want to kill orchid. But I really don't want to deal with the moss. I think it would be easier on me to have it in bark so I can water them all the same way (well, not the same way, but I'll be able to check their moisture level the same way).

Then go with bark! Phals will take to coarse bark just fine. I water mine every third day during summer growth period and twice a week during winter, when things slow down. Your mileage may vary.

[Orchidinterests]

I agree it can be hard to regulate the water. I live in southern california. My greenhouse is kept at 65%-75% humidity with a temp range of 78˚F - 85˚F. I grow and breed exclusively Phals, 250 plants at the moment. Most mature plants I have are in a loose bark mixture with a little moss. My seedlings, compots are in 100% moss. I water them maybe once every 10 days. The larger plants that are in sphag I water once every 14 to 20 days.

[Blondie]

I live in Chicago, IL, where it is always hot and humid in the summer. My apartment is not moist per se, but it's definitely NOT dry in here. Not dry at all. During the day, my fat cat disappears into the bathtub to stay cooler.

[Dorothy]

250 Phals!
That's a lotta phals!
I would love to see your orchid list
and

[Orchidinterests]

I don't have much of a list. I do mostly hybrids. Tetraploid Reds and Yellows. 4 or 5 Bellina's, probably 20 or so HP Norton Violacea seedlings. A few compots of Gigantea hybrids. P. Orchidview Tabasco, P. Canyon Red Hot Fancy, Sogo Manager, P. Taidai Lawrence, a whole bunch of other red and yellow hybrids.

[Blondie]

I went for it since my parents are here visiting and I wanted moral support and an extra set of hands just in case.

That moss was really really crammed in there! I got every little bit out so I wouldn't accidentally rot something in the middle. The roots are so beautiful! Giant and super healthy--much bigger than the ones on the brassia. The phal is now back in the original pot in bark. (crosses fingers)

Question: The medium is a bark mix I bought that was pre-soaked by the greenhouse. I feel that the extra will rot in the bag since it is wet. Should I dry it out and keep it or pitch it?

[Orchidinterests]

keep it, you can let it dry out. Sounds good. The flowers may drop, but if you didn't break too many roots ,you should be fine. Sounds good. Good luck.

[caseydoll]

Blondie, when I dry out my bark to store I either dump it into an empty pot to dry (if there is not much left) or I spread it out on a baking sheet. It may take a couple days but when it dries you can put it back in a bag to store for next time. Just don't seal up the bag until you know it's dry. Hope that helps!

Sarah

[Orchidinterests]

What I have is a 5 galloon home depot bucket that I drilled 1/4 inch holes in the bottom. I mix in there, wet it down and let it dry out. It seems to work great and is cheap.

[Blondie]

Thank you all for your wonderful help! I will dry out the bark and stash it for if...when...I get more orchids.