Root or spike?

[Brownthumb10]

I am thinking root, but I leave it up to the experts. This is a mini phal I got in May. It was in bloom when I got it, but the blooms faded and the spike turned brown. I trimed the old spike, repotted in a mix from repotme.com and have be very carefully trying to not over water. So, thoughts?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Root.

I recommend large grade bark over moss. No matter how carefully you water, the risk of root damage when growing in moss can be higher than when the Phal is grown in bark for most people.

[Brownthumb10]

Another view.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Still a root.

I'll add another thing…

Unless you've had phenomenal success with at least 1 Phal or several Phals growing in full on moss, I recommend large grade bark, and just watering more often. My .

[Atzau]

yup, root.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[Brownthumb10]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Still a root.

I'll add another thing…

Unless you've had phenomenal success with at least 1 Phal or several Phals growing in full on moss, I recommend large grade bark, and just watering more often. My .

Thanks, my second pic crossed posted with you. I am nervous about the moss but I killed my last phal in bark so I figured I would try moss.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ok, fair enough.

I guess it's worth a shot.

[RandomGemini]

Moss can work, as long as you are diligent about allowing it to dry out. Use the skewer method to determine if the center of the medium is dry. This will help you judge when to water and help prevent overwatering.

Also, keep the moss loose. Most plants you see in big box stores packed in moss have probably twice as much moss in the pot as is actually needed. You only need enough moss tucked around the roots of the plant to keep the plant upright in the pot.

[Brooke]

I would suggest raising the plant from the moss. You want the area around the leaves to sit on top of the potting media to make sure that area dries out.

Moss is easy to use if you let it get almost bone dry before watering it again.

Brooke

[La Casa de las Orquideas]

Hi,

Regarding moss, there's a great article from Ray about it: Sphagnum moss, friend or foe?

I think it'll help !!

Also, there's another article: How should I water my orchids? that talks about the difference between media, pot types, weather... you may find it interesting as well !