Phag. potting mix - Orchid Board

keithrs · #1 05-01-2011, 03:04 PM

I'm interested in what you guy like to use for potting mix.

I just got my first Phrag. I got a Phrag. schlimii and its potted in a hanging basket with moss. I would like to pot it to make it easier to care for. I was going to use diatomite but it almost impossible to find now days with out breaking the bank.

I was thinking about grow stones.?.?. I know I would have to put the pot in standing water. Other than that I'm clueless.

I'm open to ideas....

Ray · #2 05-01-2011, 03:19 PM

Semi-hydroponics, using LECA, is a very good way to grow most, if not all phrags.

Let me add that I would not use Grow Stones, as being made from recycled soda-lime bottles, the pH might be too high, and the amount of sodium released may not sit well with most orchids, particularly those that like to stay wet.

Shirley · #3 05-01-2011, 10:26 PM

If you're not going the semi-hydroponics route, my phrags seem very happy in coconut fiber. It holds the moisture well and doesn't break down too quickly. Just my humble opinion!

RJSquirrel · #4 05-01-2011, 11:36 PM

a picture will save you a thousand words

keithrs · #5 05-02-2011, 07:51 PM

I pot all of my Den. in coco along with some others. I really like it.

I'm thinking about using clay balls as Ray suggested with a tray with 1/2 - 3/4" of water.

Ray- I got an email back from grow stones and they claim that the media is PH neutral, and doesn't leach any sodium. With that said.... I paid to much for this plant to experiment.

RJSquirrel · #6 05-03-2011, 04:14 AM

experiment some

Edison tried a 1000 times before he got a light bulb to work..We would all be in the dark if he had given up

I have had no ill effects from using grow stones but I also found it gave no advantage to any other media and cost twice as much

Bolero · #7 05-03-2011, 06:34 AM

I use coconut chips (small) combined with some perlite........works really well.

Ray · #8 05-03-2011, 09:44 AM

There was another thread here than an individual tested the pH and found it to creep upward over time. I don't know if it was leqaching or accumulation from fertilizer that caused that, but either is plausible.

I don't know the reason, but a lot of phrag growers have switched away from CHC.

keithrs · #9 05-03-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

experiment some

Edison tried a 1000 times before he got a light bulb to work..We would all be in the dark if he had given up

I have had no ill effects from using grow stones but I also found it gave no advantage to any other media and cost twice as much

In a way, this is an experiment for me but I'm looking for a tried and trued method. My lady would kill me if I killed her schlimii!!!!!!

LOL

I would be happy if I could find some diatomite for a reasonable price!!!!

I have read that this Phrag. needs an acidic PH. But I haven't found how acidic. So, what would you guys recommend for a PH range?

Ray- Would you recommend a circulation system or a tray with air stones?

Bolero · #10 05-04-2011, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

There was another thread here than an individual tested the pH and found it to creep upward over time. I don't know if it was leqaching or accumulation from fertilizer that caused that, but either is plausible.

I don't know the reason, but a lot of phrag growers have switched away from CHC.

That can happen if repotting every very years but if people repot every year like I do then it doesn't happen. Most Australian growers have moved towards it which is interesting. I guess it goes in cycles.