mini phals

[chilipepper]

I am fairly new with orchids but learning fast but would like some advice. I have several mini phals and was wondering what potting media would be best for them? This is my first post but I have TONS of other questions that I will be searching for answers to soon so thanks in advance for your help.

[chilipepper]

Okay didn't need any help thanks I got it.

[Paul Mc]

Hello. Just woke up and saw this post. Not sure if you still need an answer on this or not, but unfortunately there is not a straight forward answer. The media you use will greatly depend upon your own watering frequency (under/over, etc...), your environment (how humid or dry it is) and other factors.

Generally speaking, you can use anything from sphagnum moss to bark chips sold specifically for orchids). However, the sphag tends to hold a lot of water and will need to be replaced every year where the bark chips should be good for about 2 years before they start breaking down. Bark chips do not retain water as much so you may have to water more.

I would suggest that you take a look at RePotme.com at their mixes and see what components they put into theirs. Their mixes are not the one and only type to use, but it could give you some ideas towards understanding what might be used. I would also suggest looking at other orchid stores online at their mixes and just getting a basic understanding of the ingredients they use.

The only thing I would say not to do is use the "orchid mix" from Miracle Grow. It's not airy enough for your roots to breathe.

[tucker85]

I agree with Paul, it depends on how often you want to water and also what kind of pot you'll be using. I like clear plastic pots with plent of drainage holes. I also feel that one of the most important things is to use the smallest possible pot that will accommodate the roots comfortably. Everybody has their own favorite mix. Mine is medium coconut husk chips with some charcoal and sponge rock added. If you like to water more often you could substitute medium bark instead of coconut husk chips. Many people also use a mix of sphagnum moss and bark or sphagnum moss and hydroton. 100% sphagnum moss can work well in very small pots but don't use it in a pot over 4". It stays too wet.

[chilipepper]

Thanks for the replies guys, I did go to repotme and ordered a few things which should keep my plants in good shape for awhile. After I posted the question I realized that a mini phal would obviously use the same media selections that full sized ones woulds since they are both thick rooted specimens, the only difference would be the size of the pot.
I now have 16 orchids consisting of phals, catts, oncidiums and a paph.. I go to the local nursery and buy them after they have dropped their blooms so that way the store has dropped the price quite significantly. I have bought the majority of my plants for $5 a piece instead of $20-$40 for the plants with blooms. I figure if I can keep them healthy enough they will educate me through the growing season and reward my efforts next blooming season. Feel free to impart any wisdom to me you feel I could use...PLEASE. I am trying to get my lighting system optimized now but I had back surgery in sept. and its not healing well and the disability checks dont go as far as a real paycheck so any cost cutting advice as long as it doesn't harm the plant is what I need to hear.
I don't have any orchid buddies around to talk to so I know I am jabbering on but it feels good to have a sounding board to throw thoughts and questions to. My wife is inheriting most of my african violets as I have become so tunnel visioned towards these orchids. My name is Keith so like I said before keep throwing knowledge my way. Thanks again

[Discus]

It's always a great feeling when you re-bloom an orchid. Best of luck.

If you have enough of it, natural light is a lot cheaper than electric light...

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by chilipepper

I don't have any orchid buddies around to talk to so I know I am jabbering on but it feels good to have a sounding board to throw thoughts and questions to. My wife is inheriting most of my african violets as I have become so tunnel visioned towards these orchids. My name is Keith so like I said before keep throwing knowledge my way. Thanks again

That's why I'm on this forum also. Nobody in my family or amoung my friends had any interest in orchids. It's great to find an online community of people with the same interests. Enjoy!

[Paul Mc]

Same here, no one really shares my passion for orchids and the society only meets once a month. I find coming here really helps me learn and grow, plus it's a great outlet with really great people.

Natural light would be best if you have it. Otherwise, you can always buy a T8 fixture rather cheap from Home Depot, and use Daylight bulbs with a 6500K Temp (again, fairly cheap). I have a grow room set up in my basement for all of my tropicals and a few orchids, and these work great for me.

Of course, your lighting needs vary from orchid to orchid, so if you could tell us specifically what you have that might help. Phal's tend to do best in a window where your hand's shadow will be a bit fuzzy. Look for dark red tinge on leaves. If you see that then you probably need to reduce the light a bit (though new leaves often have this color tinge on their edges regardless).

[Merlyn]

That's why I'm on this forum also. Nobody in my family or amoung my friends had any interest in orchids. It's great to find an online community of people with the same interests. Enjoy!

Tucker, isn't there a society near you ???

Paul, and Keith, I just want you to know that Repotme is not the one and only vendor of orchid supplies ! There's FirstRays.com, OrchidEnterprise.com, QuarterAcreOrchids.com, and KKorchid.com to name just a few.

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Tucker, isn't there a society near you ???

Yes, I am a member of my local orchid society. So I do get a chance to talk with orchid enthusiasts once a month.