New Phal in Moss--Moss advice?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Blondie

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

Let me add one more thing, if you dry previously wetted bark for re-use, you probably should treat it with Physan 20 (soak it in the concentration on the container designed to soak pots and treat cutting tools) to deter any mold that may get started or may have gotten started. I, personally don't save bark. It isn't expensive and if I end up soaking too much overnight before a repotting session, so be it. It all gets to go in the trash along with the spent mix from the pots. That's just my thing, but better safe than sorry.

My bark mix, by the way has some ag charcoal chunks and a small amount of sphag (just to hold a bit of water) plus some coarse perlite (like sponge rock). I make it myself. It takes at least a week to totally dry out, but I never reach that point since I water twice a week during winter heating season and every third day now. Our conditions are similar to Chicago.

[slipperfreak]

Hi Blondie,

A lot of people grow Phals in moss because it reduces the frrequency of watering. Because I'm a slipper grower primarily, I prefer bark. When I buy a plant in flower though, they're always in moss, so I have no choice until the flowering is done. I let the moss almost completely dry between waterings in this case. The last thing you want is too much moisture.