Phals in Sphagnum or bark?

[Helen]

Just wanted to get a quick idea if most of you use bark vs sphagnum for your phals....
thanks!

[dennis]

sh only if not then sphagnum, i think it is eaier to tell when they need water in sphag than bark

[Lagoon]

I vote for sphag!

[Djarum Black]

I have some in both. Although I think I like the sprag more then I like the bark. Bark gets funky sometimes. I'm slowly switching all my phals over to a combo of coconut husk and sprag.

[Marco]

i vote for some kind of leca

[western orchid]

I agree with the mix of bark and Spagnum as there is a combo of good drainage and moisture retention. I do think that whichever mix one chooses, the main difference is in how you water-ie pure bark=more often

[OrchidTess]

I use a bark, sphag and peat chunks mix.

[Frdemetr]

I use sphagnum (brazilian), mixed with coconut chips and carcoal. If I have Chilean sphagnum, I use it pure with good draining material (clay pieces and carcoal). Phals don't like tree-fern fiber (my favourite medium).

[ladyslipper]

I am switching over to a bark mix in a clear plastic pot with cuts in the side. I think it actually looks pretty good and I can easily see if they need watering. I like the ease of spag for water retention, but I am nervous of any rot going on. One time I waited until the spag was on the dry side and I (for some reason, don't ask) didn't even notice the leaves had started to look stressed. Regards, Mary

[Tindomul]

I'm currently trying out Semi Hydro, Bark, and Sphag. I have to say that S/H and Sphag are the easiest to water, but Sphag seems less troublesome that S/H. Not sure yet. However Bark seems healthier for them, better humidity/ventilation mix.