Anyone grow Phals potte in coconut husk fiber only? - Orchid Board

peeweelovesbooks · #1 01-05-2009, 10:08 PM

I've been thinking of giving this a try. I have some phals in vanda baskets with coconut husk fiber only and they are growing like crazy. However, I don't have the room to put all of my phals in vanda baskets, so I'm wondering if anyone has grown phals potted in coconut husk fiber only but in clay or plastic pots??

If so, can you share your experience with me?

Lagoon · #2 01-05-2009, 10:17 PM

When you say fiber are you talking about the shredded stuff? I think were talking about the same.
I'm trying a couple of paphs with this stuff, potted in plastic, its been about 4 months. Seems like its going well so far. I still prefer my peat over coco fiber.

Sorry can't help you out about the phals.

peeweelovesbooks · #3 01-05-2009, 10:52 PM

Yes. The shredded stuff that looks like string... I'm thinking of trying to grow phals potted in that.

How often do you water?

Lagoon · #4 01-06-2009, 10:05 AM

Ok sounds like the same stuff. I just recalled I do have 1 small phal growing in this ... Anna-Larati Soekadi 'Rainbow' & Alcra. Pacific Nova 'Butter Buds'.
I mixed in a little perlite.
My watering is about every 5 days during the cooler months. The orchids are under light with fanning during the day.

neb · #5 01-06-2009, 09:56 PM

I have a Phal. lueddemanniana that didn't do to well in s/h and the only thing i had on hand was large pot with big holes in the side and the long coconut husk fibers. so i put it in there and it looks like it is happy

phearamedusa · #6 01-16-2009, 01:00 AM

I have some in coco husk chunks, I found some of my orchids really love it, while others need to be repotted. Also the chunks at the bottom of the pot tend to stay wetter then you might expect.

Sandy4453 · #7 01-16-2009, 08:51 AM

I don't have any Phals growing in the coco fiber but since I added the Coco chunks to my mix (50/50 with bark and others with tree fern), they're doing better than they've ever done. My Phals love the CHC so I think the fibers would work well for yours. Post back with your results, I'd be very interested to know how it goes. Good luck.

peeweelovesbooks · #8 01-18-2009, 10:07 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm going to try this out. I'll let you all know!!

quiltergal · #9 01-19-2009, 12:09 PM

I think I'd mix in some LECA or charcoal chunks to keep it more open. Otherwise I think it might stay too wet. Keep us posted.

bonsai1504 · #10 01-19-2009, 01:25 PM

Ive tried. It was too wet for too long. The plant died.