Best medium? So conflicted

[Orchidnewbie2]

Hi all just went and got some orchids at hausermanns nursery (they are online) the person there told me to use Moss. She says it's the best medium and that bark dries out. I told her about my clay pellets and she said I will be watering twice a week if not more. Now I'm conflicted. Eek

[Leafmite]

What type of orchid is it?

---------- Post added at 06:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 PM ----------

I have been using red lava rock for most of my orchids and for those that need a little more moisture, I top the red lava rock with sphagnum moss. (this is always in basket/net pots). I just went to a vendor, however, and bought a box of clay pellets and I re-potted most of my new orchids into them and for the phals, I topped the pots with NZ sphagnum moss. I will water when the moss is dry. Makes it easy.

[Dante1709]

The type of medium depends on what your conditions are, and your watering/fertilizing habits. Moss holds more moisture, but can start to pack down eventually. You'd have to add perlite and watch your watering.

With bark, it's usually easier to water and be safe. It allows air to get to the roots, but also absorbs enough water. Fine bark is best for seedlings, lady slippers and oncidiums while chunky bark is better for phalaenopsis, cattleyas and other.

Coconut bark is usually chunkier, but absorbs a lot of a water. Many people use this for water-loving orchids, like paphs and phrags, as well as miltonia/opsis. Watch out for minerals!

I'd experiment with what is available to you, and do what feels right. I think a mix is a good idea ; fir bark with Spaghnum and perlite is a good inbetween for any species, in my opinion. Your watering schedules should depend on how moist the media is.

Take into consideration humidity, temperature, size of pot and the root system. High humidity, cold temperatures, large pots and weak root systems shouldn't be watered as much and as frequently as low humidity, hot weather, small pots and large rooted plants.

Through experience you'll learn what medias you prefer and how often to water with them.

[silken]

It really depends on what type of orchids you are referring to and your conditions. What's good in a professional greenhouse is not necessarily going to be best for you. As mentioned above you need to experiment and choose based on how you grow the plant and what type it is. I agree that using fine bark or a mix of bark and moss for fine rooted orchids can work and medium bark works really well for me with Cattleyas that would not like moss in my conditions. There is no correct answer.

[Orchidnewbie2]

Hello all. They are phals and I live in Chicago, IL USA ThThankyou for your replies. I am going to try the clay with mMoss on top. I'ma newbie on here and to orchids and I forget to mention the type of orchids.

[Optimist]

There are like 3000 orchids...when you say orchid, what do you mean? Moss is good for those orchids that need to be constantly moist. She is right, otherwise, you water every day. So first what kind of orchid are you talking about? Housermanns is a fantastic operation, and I would take their advice. Theyare looking at what is best for you and the area you are in. Last winter they took a.azing care to make sure that their orchids were not killed in shipment. They held orders for months because they knew about the delays that even a heat pack would not save their orchids. They really care. I would think they would not give you the wrong information.

[Orchidnewbie2]

Thanks everyone. OK so im going to try my clay pellets with moss on top. I will see how that works. I am now banned by my husband to buy any more orchids (phals)until these survive.........it was so hard to walk away from Hausermanns with only 5. There were SO many beauties!!!!

[RandomGemini]

I find my phals do best in bark or loose moss. They need good air flow around the roots and some humidity too.

[ajeatoo]

I think it also depends on the orchid itself. I have phals and I have always repotted them in a NZ spagnum moss mix that also has bark, cork, pellets, styrofoam and charcoal in it. I live in the lower west coast of British Columbia so it rains allot here but is not humid (if that makes sense) I average watering my phals once per week in the winter, some of them I have to water sooner than others even though the conditions are the same. Now since we are getting warm temps I am watering a even less for some orchids and yet others still need to be watered more often.

So like what was said before, give it a try. What works for you may not work for others and also what works for one orchid may not work for another orchid that you have!

[tarev]

I prefer bark mix, it allows good air circulation in the root zone. I also use containers with side holes whenever I can. It does take awhile for new bark mix to be moisture retentive, so I dunk the root zone for the first few weeks. Clay rock is also good, but I do not use it alone, it dries out really fast, but I like it since it is roundish and is porous, very good for aeration.

It will be up to your micro climate at home and the other cultural aspects that goes with growing Phals such as temperature, light, air circulation, watering regimen etc.to really see if your set-up is good.

The plant will be adjusting to your conditions at home, so if you got them with blooms, it will be normal for some of them to wilt or buds to blast. Does not necessarily mean your media is outright bad. It will be an adjusting phase.

Observe the leaves closely. It will show you how it is reacting to your set-up.