Suggestions for Brassia mix please - Orchid Board

Helen · #1 07-24-2008, 08:41 PM

I would like to repot my Brassia Eternal Tow and would like some suggestions on what to use exactly. It is now in sphagnum moss, in a 3" plastic pot. It has lots of roots wound around the inside of the pot with a few aerial.
It dries out so quickly I can't keep up with it. THus, the new pseudobulb leaves are wrinkling and the growth has slowed down..it should have bloomed by now. I have only had it one year at which time I repotted from a 2" pot.
I think I need something which retains more moisture. I heard some people use coconut husks. Any suggestions

would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Helen

Lagoon · #2 07-24-2008, 09:41 PM

How fast is it drying out? Perhaps you need to repot in a bigger pot?
Sorry - Can't comment on the coco husks, don't use it.
I grow my oncids group in sphagnum moss.

Helen · #3 07-25-2008, 12:35 PM

I water every 2-3 days, even trying to spray the roots when I remember...it's near an open window, so that probably doesn't help. Here are some photos...what do you think about repotting now?

I've heard that Brassia don't like to dry out at all.

Thanks
Helen

JennS · #4 07-25-2008, 03:34 PM

I would say it definitely needs a bigger pot. I only have one Brassia and grow it in Spag too. It is outgrowing the pot too, but it usually gets watered nearly everday during the growing season (because it rains everyday and it is outdoors). I haven't noticed an excessive need for water, but I am thinking that is because the spag retains enough water. I have not used the coco husks either, but maybe someone else can offer advice on those...

Don Perusse · #5 07-25-2008, 05:14 PM

I have only one Bras. Rex Christine and it is planted in tree fern w/rewood chips. This is the mix I use for ALL oncs. and I have a dozen or so. I live in So Ga, where it is very hot (G/H gets to 105-110, no evaporative cooler) and I only water twice a week. I do use chc for all dendrobiums and now experimenting using it with my Cats. Tho I must agree it looks like your orchids needs re-potting. Good luck.

Ross · #6 07-25-2008, 05:23 PM

I use fir bark mix for all my Brassias and Intergenerics. I also use waterlily baskets to improve air exchange at the root level.

Helen · #7 07-25-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

I use fir bark mix for all my Brassias and Intergenerics. I also use waterlily baskets to improve air exchange at the root level.

Thanks Ross, what does a waterlily basket look like please?
Helen

Don Perusse · #8 07-25-2008, 06:21 PM

Ross - What a cool idea! Waterlily baskets....why I never thought of that and I use them in my Koi pond. I will definately keep that in mind for future use. I love this OB.