How long does those common pre mix last for

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by OrdridPete

Thanks, wondering generally how often do you water them?

Watering frequency is affected by medium, humidity, pot size and type... there is no formula. A way to find out what your plant needs in your environment is to water thoroughly (let it run through the pot) and drain well. Then weigh the pot on a kitchen scale or postal scale. Do the same the next day, etc. When the rate of weight loss starts to slow down (not much more water to evaporate) it is time to water again. After you do this through a few cycles, you'll have a good idea of how often you need to water under your conditions.

[estación seca]

Phals need lots of air at the roots. As long as temperatures are right for growing and the roots have plenty of air, Phal roots can stay moist. With large chunks of bark one can water every day. People use smaller chunks of medium if they don't have time to look at the plant every day. Phals are OK if they get completely dry between waterings, but they shouldn't stay dry for very long - not more than a day or so.

Sydney is probably too cold for most hybrid Phals in winter outdoors. Now that it's summer they might like it, but in full shade. They are not high light plants.

[OrdridPete]

With the things they mix with bark. Does perlite and charcoal hold more water then bark?

[ArronOB]

There is a guy who sells Kiwi pine bark from his home which is near Smithfield. If you are interested I will dig out his phone number. Price is reasonable - but only big bags.

I use it. I don’t bother to mix anyth8ng with it except sometimes a few strands of sphagnum moss if a plant is drying out too quickly or needs rehydration for some other reason.

[Roberta]

Perlite in a mix just helps keep it open and airy, especially if the bark starts to break down. With good bark, not so much of an issue. I never use charcoal... it's messy, its manufacture is horrid for the environment, and I can't think of anything useful that it does that good bark doesn't take care of.

[estación seca]

Perlite does hold some water longer than the bark. It is also a way to extend the watering interval.