Hi from hot New Jersey! Phalaenopsis potting mix

[jomar]

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...lies/hello.gif
This is my first posting to the orchid board and I am so glad I found you. I need some advice. Today when I was leaving the market I spotted a discarded orchid in the bushes near where I parked my car. When I went to get it I discovered five more that had been thrown there as well. Being a plant lover I couldn't leave them there to die. Anyway, all are phalaenopsis, and all must have come from the same grower because each one is potted the same way ---in a soft clear plastic "pot" that I'm guessing went inside a fancier one. The store most likely kept these pots. Each plant is crammed, and I mean crammed, with sphagnum moss so much so that the soft pliable pot is hard as a rock because of the contents. Maybe that's good, but I somehow don't think so. I want to repot them and give them a little more room. What is the best potting mix for these orchids? I own one decent phalaenopsis and that came in a bark and moss mix. It seems happy because it is in bloom after one year of my owning it. Should I do the same mix for these new adoptees or should I use what their used to, the sphagnum moss? Thanks everyone!

[quiltingwacko]

I have noticed that my phals are happier in a mix of moss and bark. I believe that this is because I water with a watering can once a week, and mist them every day. I think that if I had a misting system that watered everyday that the moss would cause rot. Phals are susceptible to crown rot. Where I live it is hot and dry in the summer and cold and wet in the winter, so my chids live in the house. So I guess what I am trying to say is, it has a lot to do with how you water. Good luck! You will get lots of advice on here, it is a great list. Carol

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[Roly0217]

Jomar and to the OB !!! I would repot them in a mix of bark and moss since moss by itself if overwatered can cause root rot and that's not a good thing but once you add the bark into it you'll be giving the plant better drainage while still maintaining some miosture with the moss. with them and post some . Happy Growing !!!!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by jomar

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...lies/hello.gif
This is my first posting to the orchid board and I am so glad I found you. I need some advice. Today when I was leaving the market I spotted a discarded orchid in the bushes near where I parked my car. When I went to get it I discovered five more that had been thrown there as well. Being a plant lover I couldn't leave them there to die. Anyway, all are phalaenopsis, and all must have come from the same grower because each one is potted the same way ---in a soft clear plastic "pot" that I'm guessing went inside a fancier one. The store most likely kept these pots. Each plant is crammed, and I mean crammed, with sphagnum moss so much so that the soft pliable pot is hard as a rock because of the contents. Maybe that's good, but I somehow don't think so. I want to repot them and give them a little more room. What is the best potting mix for these orchids? I own one decent phalaenopsis and that came in a bark and moss mix. It seems happy because it is in bloom after one year of my owning it. Should I do the same mix for these new adoptees or should I use what their used to, the sphagnum moss? Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the board!

Keep the plastic pot, but dump the moss. Get some bark mix for the Phals. Use the clearity of the pot to tell you when to water. when the roots turn whitish, then soak the whole pot in water till the roots turn green.

[peggypugsmom]

..just can't imagine finding 1 discarded orchid, but 5 ? 6 ? like find a gold mine in stream bed right in your own backyard!...I guess they were lucky you found them...little orphan Phals...and the perfect OA came along...what a wonderful happening for both of you...good luck..I can't really advise...I just joined last night....and I LOVE it!...Eileen

[Chubidubi]

Jomar I saw that you already got the best info for your new babies. with them and have fun on the board.

[jomar]

Originally Posted by peggypugsmom

..just can't imagine finding 1 discarded orchid, but 5 ? 6 ? like find a gold mine in stream bed right in your own backyard!...I guess they were lucky you found them...little orphan Phals...and the perfect OA came along...what a wonderful happening for both of you...good luck..I can't really advise...I just joined last night....and I LOVE it!...Eileen

Hi, Yes, finding them made my day. I want to thank everyone who helped me with the potting mix. One person said he would repot them in the plastic pots they came in. Only problem is that they are so tight in there that they don't move an inch. I was afraid if I forced them I may have damage the roots. So I had to cut the pots. Which leads to my next question; which is better; plastic or clay for repotting these little beauties? More questions; 1. if some leaves are yellowing do I leave them on and 2. is soaking the roots something I should do to all of them before I repot? Thanks so much everyone! P.S. I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or not. What to do.

[quiltingwacko]

I like clear plastic pots because you can see how they are doing.