Paphs in sphag

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Hello!

I find my phaphs dry out too fast on the top, but stay wet deep in the pot for a long time. I think that growing in moss would fix this, but I wondered if anyone else uses moss, or has the same problem as me, but fixed it. Also, I like to let mine get almost dry in between waterings, I am worried that it is kept moist all the time, I will rot the roots.

Any tips?

Thanks!

[Ross]

Actually I feel the reverse. I personally think the way to get Paph medium dry down deep is bigger chunks of medium. Sphag will only hold moisture longer and one day day to rot. Try larger bark or styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pots. If we could all band together and get the pot manufacturers to make a deep Paph pot in clear plastic, that would be a help!

[Becca]

Originally Posted by Ross

If we could all band together and get the pot manufacturers to make a deep Paph pot in clear plastic, that would be a help!

I second that one Ross!

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hmm interesting. When do you water yours? (what does the medium feel like)

[snow]

i use rectangular juice bottles with the tops cut off.they are quite high and one can see the roots through the clear plastic. it works great for me

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Originally Posted by snow

i use rectangular juice bottles with the tops cut off.they are quite high and one can see the roots through the clear plastic. it works great for me

ahhh good idea. I have some bottles like that, and I know of some clear bottles with a better shape! I think there is some soy drink that comes in a thin container that would be great for one of my small phaphs. Will buy next time I go to the store

Thanks again

[Lagoon]

I'm using sphag moss on my phrags and peat moss, small bark, perlite mix for my paphs. I like the drying on this, more eveness though out the mixture.

About the clear pots - I get mine from the deli counter, they're cheap as in free

[(..._...)]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I'm using sphag moss on my phrags and peat moss, small bark, perlite mix for my paphs. I like the drying on this, more eveness though out the mixture.

About the clear pots - I get mine from the deli counter, they're cheap as in free

I like free things..... . I will def. try my local deli

I bought small bark at paradis des orchidees. I will re-pot in that. I find new bark dries out waaay to fast. Can I soak the bark for about 1- 2 days to help it retain more moisture?

[Lagoon]

Some folks like to soak it overnite. I don't, I think it takes to long ... so instead, I soak for about 5 hrs and add a few drops of dish soap to help soften the wood. It just works faster for me this way.

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

I'm using sphag moss on my phrags and peat moss, small bark, perlite mix for my paphs. I like the drying on this, more eveness though out the mixture.

About the clear pots - I get mine from the deli counter, they're cheap as in free

Gloria, I was wondering what type of peat moss...just the regular sack you buy for gardening? if so, do you have to sterilize it in any way first? I've haven't used peat moss for 'chids yet. I now have several paphs and need to repot very soon, so all this info is just in the nick of time!
Thanks !
Helen