Best medium? So conflicted

[Chris35rt]

I have a few of my phals growing in moss and a few in bark the ones in moss are growing much better than the ones in bark. Just let them dry out good in between watering and I think you should be just fine.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Chris35rt

I have a few of my phals growing in moss and a few in bark the ones in moss are growing much better than the ones in bark. Just let them dry out good in between watering and I think you should be just fine.

I agree that moss can work well for phals, as long as there is good ventilation and the moss doesn't pack down. Moss with clay pots work well because they dry out more easily.

[Leafmite]

Cattleyas do really well in red lava rock. I just bought a large box of medium-size LECA so I am trying the newest one, Burana Beauty, in it. I use basket/net pots so that I can see the roots easily and water like crazy during the growing season.

---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:35 PM ----------

I prefer to use mediums that don't decompose but there are some orchids in my collection that just insist on needing the NZ sphagnum moss. By topping the rock/Leca with the moss, it is really easy to pull the old moss off without disturbing the roots when it goes sour and poking in the new moss.
I avoid bark and CHC altogether. I don't like to disturb the roots of my orchids more than necessary and I am not a fan of pulling and poking the bits of bark off of the roots of orchids. Plus, I have trouble getting the watering right with bark.

[Vanda lover]

I think that the lava rock has the advantage that insects are less likely to breed as well. I really like it for s/h, especially for my phrag. It makes care very easy.
I will try the moss on top for the moisture lovers.

[Dante1709]

I washed and crushed some lava rock that I use for landscaping and it mixed very well with regular fir bark. I find it adds extra drainage to the media and it also helps to fill up the bottom of tall pots.

[Vanda lover]

I have done that, but I mixed it with coconut chips. It does help things to dry out quickly.