Phalaenopsis - moss vs bark - Orchid Board

veda.maas · #1 10-09-2015, 10:53 AM

Hello!

I have a question - we all hear about how 'undesirable' moss is as a growing medium for Phal's (or most people say that), but my only Phal's that are surviving are the ones in moss!

I have had to bury 3 this week, while the ones planted in moss are thriving. Continuously blooming from same spike for 6 months now.

So, does this have to do with my environment or watering schedule more than the medium?

orchidsarefun · #2 10-09-2015, 11:37 AM

all my phals are in moss, well all except those in 6in pots and larger. Moss is the way to go, the phals love it and thrive. Its more to do with watering - keep phals on the dry to moist side. Looks like you are doing so, most people that hate moss can't.

Leafmite · #3 10-09-2015, 11:44 AM

It really depends on the environment/conditions you provide that determines what medium works for you.

theloyalplum · #4 10-09-2015, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leafmite

It really depends on the environment/conditions you provide that determines what medium works for you.

Truth! I prefer mounts because for some reason I cannot get moss to work for some reason or bark.

orchidsarefun · #5 10-09-2015, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theloyalplum

Truth! I prefer mounts because for some reason I cannot get moss to work for some reason or bark.

I think you proved my point. You can't get moss or bark to work because you tend to 'overwater'. That's not a problem with mounts as they dry out quickly. Fatal for sphagnum, especially when temps cool and the moss is soggy, but also not so good for bark.

wintergirl · #6 10-09-2015, 12:58 PM

My larger phals are in chunky bark but my minis are in a bark moss mix. The minis always dry out too fast for me and do better with some added moss.

Blndbunny · #7 10-09-2015, 01:42 PM

I keep my standard phals in a bark mix with sponge stone and charcoal. When I purchased them (box store) they were in Tightly packed moss, since switching them I'm seeing fantastic new root growth and new leaves. My minis are potted in the same medium but with a little bit of moss mixed in. My latest two purchased from hill top orchids (standard size) are in a coarse bark mix. So far they are super happy and showing new root tips in the two weeks I've had them

veda.maas · #8 10-09-2015, 02:01 PM

Thanks guys! I think I tend to underwater, so that is why. My chids with pseudobulbs do well for me in bark. I seem to be better at keeping those going

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theloyalplum · #9 10-09-2015, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

I think you proved my point. You can't get moss or bark to work because you tend to 'overwater'. That's not a problem with mounts as they dry out quickly. Fatal for sphagnum, especially when temps cool and the moss is soggy, but also not so good for bark.

All my vandaceous types do great in my bark mixes, phals just never prospered for me.

Same with sphag, I have a few plants in sphag and they're doing wonderful, but phals... Grrr. Frustrating plants, they are! I don't mind. Mounts look 10x as nice in my opinion plus vertical potential.

Optimist · #10 10-09-2015, 05:59 PM

I have started to use moss for water loving orchids. Phals included because I live in a very dry, hot area. Now, of course it is getting cooler and we are in the monsoon season, so it does not matter.