How many different potting mixes do I need?

[Paul Mc]

Yup, I think they look ready. When you repot, be sure you leave enough room for about 2 years worth of growth and no more. Most orchids like to be 'tight' in their pots and repotted every two years to prevent the medium from breaking down.

[keithrs]

I personally use about every mix out there.... I like 50% small bark, 25% perlite, 25% charcoal for onc. and the same with work for your cym. You may have to use a clean razor blade to cut the pot on the cym. They like to be root bound to do best.

[PaphMadMan]

Most commercial orchid mixes available at non-orchid nurseries or garden centers are formulated for general purpose use with Phals and Oncid types in mind. It may (and should) say on the bag what kinds of orchids it is recommended for. It is probably easiest to go ahead and buy a bag and give it a try. Get some horticultural charcoal or medium bark to add if you think it needs to be less water retentive for your conditions or for specific plants. For a Paph you might want to add a little bit of general purpose houseplant or african violet potting mix.

Formulating your own mix is something that usually is not necessary and rarely is less expensive unless you make it in large quantity. Making the best choice of what is locally available and amending it with readily available components for specific plants actually gives a lot of flexibility and maximum convenience, and cheaper overall than ordering several specific mixes and paying shipping costs.

Most orchids will do just fine in a wide variety of mixes as long as you adjust your wateriing practices to give the right moisture level for the plants and the conditions.

[Eyebabe]

To me, a "mix" is something to which you do not add...
Thus, I have two orchid "mixes" : Prime Agra for s/h and Aussie Gold (medium)

Other than that, I use the individual components: NZSpag, Perilite, Charcoal, Bark....
Mostly from repot me.com

I grow mostly catts but also phals, oncs, two phrags, one paph, a few vandas and other strays.

I agree stocking the components and making your own mix is best
I do this not to save money, but to make up what I think the plant needs.