Recommended potting mediums for phals-where to purchase online - Orchid Board

hawaii52 · #1 09-19-2008, 01:37 AM

I am wondering what type of potting medium I should use for repotting of large phals. I tried the commercial medium from Home Depot [Schultz?]and seems that there are many fine particles that seem to be clogging up drainage holes on pots. IS there a source for good quality phal potting mix online in the US [Minnesota]?

BikerDoc5968 · #2 09-19-2008, 08:52 AM

I'm sure there will be lots of opinions as to what wverybody's favorite mix for potting chids is. You have to find something that works for you in your specific growing conditions and with the manner in which you care for your plants. I have a problem with a heavy watering hand so I don't use sphag and use a chunky mix. I have found that Fafard has a nice balance of bark, CHC (Coconut Husk Chips), charcoal and perlite with very little "sediment". But I'm sure if I open enough bags of the stuff, I'll find one that isn't like all the others. I like the CHC because it will hold some moisture and doesn't break down as fast.....

Sandy4453 · #3 09-19-2008, 09:55 AM

Any of the standard bark mixes will work well for you. A lot of people add to their mixes to give it more optimum conditions, such as the chc which I agree, gives the Phals just the right amount of moisture retention. I also add coir to my mixes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hawaii52

there are many fine particles that seem to be clogging up drainage holes on pots. IS there a source for good quality phal potting mix online in the US [Minnesota]?

Are you putting the styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of the pots? This is highly recommended, allowing the excess water to drain out of their pots and should help control all the fine bark pieces from clogging up the holes.

mayres · #4 09-19-2008, 04:37 PM

Like Sandy, I would use a good inch or two of styrofoam peanuts (be sure to not use the kind that turns to mush when wet - but the firmer/stiffer type - in the bottom of a pot for a large phal. Regardless of the size media you use this should prevent any drainage problems. There are so many options in medias and combinations thereof it boggles the mind. Part of the fun of growing is to determine/find what works best for YOU.

BTW - the Shultz mix you have noted SHOULD work as one option. Just be sure and soak it 24-48 hours before hand - you might even want to add a drop of soap to the water to reduce the surface tension and help the bark soak up moisture.

kiki-do · #5 09-19-2008, 04:52 PM

A long time ago I ordered Phal mix from Tropical Plant Products out of Orlando, Fl. I have since used mix from other places, such as repotme.com (good, but the shipping is high). Anyway, I am going to order from Tropical Plant Products once again as I liked that mix as much as anything else I've tried, and the prices seem reasonable. It's been so long, though, has anyone else ordered from them more recently? And what did you think?
Hawaii, I don't mean to walk on your thread, but this may or may not help in finding a vendor. I've been wondering where others are ordering from also. I find that it isn't the product as much as the shipping that is bothersome.

BikerDoc5968 · #6 09-19-2008, 04:59 PM

While I've never ordered mixes online because of the shipping costs, I wonder how much different the stuff you guys purchase online is from the "bagged" stuff that can be had at a local big box or garden center....I can understand if you are buying individual ingredients and mixing your own blend, and I guess different online vendors have varied mixes. I just buy what is local because the shipping is a tough pill to swallow as has been said.

kiki-do · #7 09-19-2008, 06:23 PM

I originally bought the Schultz orchid mix and I won't do it again. It had huge pieces of what looked like charcoal and rock. I didn't find much of substance at all. Hardly any bark. I have grown to really like coconut husk chips as it doesn't break down quickly and it retains some moisture. Even when the mix looks dry dry, if I dig way down and pull out a chip and squeeze it, some water is evident. I like that.
I order online and buy the husk separate, then get the fir bark, perlite, and charcoal in the box stores. Usually. But the mix I got at tropical plant products was pretty darn good, and I'm thinking of trying that route again. The husk bought online is usually compact and not that heavy. Some places charge alot no matter what the weight. I usually get enough supplies to last quite a while. But that is just my opinion and not one of an expert...just a learning gal.