changing medium for Phal violacea

[ladyslipper]

Hi guys, I have finally bought a blue Phalaenopsis violacea and it will be shipped to me in the next day or so. The fellow I bought from said to have it repotted in volcanic stone (so semi hydroponic). I have no experience in this and would like to pot it in moss when it gets here (its being shipped bareroot). Can I change the medium when the fellow told me its growing in semi hydrop? Do I need to do anything specific to prepare it for potting when it gets here?

I am a little nervous because I am thinking that the Phalaenopsis violacea is a little beyond my experience but I really wanted to give it a try (also went WAY over my budget).

Any info on your experiences with the P. violacea that you care to give would be appreciated. I also bought a Phal, Penang Girl 'Ching Ruey' so am looking forward to some really spiffy fragrances.

[quiltergal]

I think when he says repot it in volcanic stone he is not refering to s/h, but rather crushed lava rock aka cinders. I have had a couple of plants in this medium and didn't care much for it. I had a vanda in it and it died of root rot. I could see maybe mixing it with bark. Unless you have really good luck with moss and don't water very often I wouldn't go that route. Gloria will chime in here and tell you sphag is great. I think it just depends on your conditions. I will be repotting my Phal. violacea x bellina into coco husk, charc, and perlite this weekend. That seems to be a combo that works for me and my conditions.

[ladyslipper]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

I think when he says repot it in volcanic stone he is not refering to s/h, but rather crushed lava rock aka cinders. I have had a couple of plants in this medium and didn't care much for it. I had a vanda in it and it died of root rot. I could see maybe mixing it with bark. Unless you have really good luck with moss and don't water very often I wouldn't go that route. Gloria will chime in here and tell you sphag is great. I think it just depends on your conditions. I will be repotting my Phal. violacea x bellina into coco husk, charc, and perlite this weekend. That seems to be a combo that works for me and my conditions.

I just heard back from my buds at Paramount Orchids (otherwise known as my mothership) and they suggested that the seller said to pot the plant in volcanic rock because that is what he uses where he is (which i think is Montreal Quebec). Things are different here in the wild west. I think I will settle on moss, I have actually had pretty good success with it.

regards, mary

[Lagoon]

I've had this one in a few different mixes, none that I cared for. I also couldn't seem to knock out the mites.
I had 8 leaves (it took 2 years) and lost 6 - down to 2 leaves now.
I repotted in sphag and coarse rok in early may - Thought it would probably die anyways

The mites are gone (knock on wood) the roots are popping out, I hope she will continue to do well.
This phal is a bit more tricky & picky then some others.

Grow it in what you already grow well in. Don't be shy to try different things. You just may find this is the best media yet

But safe is good too
Good luck, Mary

[ladyslipper]

Hi Gloria, have you ever bought from Bedford Orchids in Westmount QC? I just bought 2 from Howard Ginsberg and he has just shipped them out. I hope the plants arrive in decent shape because I really like Howard. He seems really easy to do business with. - mary

[Lagoon]

Hi
LOL, Yeah like if I ever get ahold of him I just may get something from him I hear his stuff is top notch!
He's a funny guy too. I should send him an email, right after you post some photo's?