Who uses bark mix for their Phalaenopsis species and what watering do you employ?

[Vanda lover]

I use a mixture that has some sphag in it. I am not fond of bark because I find it hard to tell when to water. Coconut husk seems to hold moisture on the inside and stay dryer on the outside, which I find quite good. My mix has a little of everything, including large perlite.

[OrchidGirlMolly]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

I use a mixture that has some sphag in it. I am not fond of bark because I find it hard to tell when to water. Coconut husk seems to hold moisture on the inside and stay dryer on the outside, which I find quite good. My mix has a little of everything, including large perlite.

Hi - I use straight Orchiata - 1" chip size. I use it straight and my Vanda seems to like it. It is from New Zealand - lovely clean Pine bark.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by OrchidGirlMolly

Hi - I use straight Orchiata - 1" chip size. I use it straight and my Vanda seems to like it. It is from New Zealand - lovely clean Pine bark.

I think bark would work fine for vandas, but phals don't like to dry out as much as vandas do.

[OrchidGirlMolly]

Apologies - I was responding to two enquiries and mixed them up.
I have a couple of Phaels, and I use the #5 Orchiata pine bark mix straight. I keep my orchids in the screened in porch in summer. It gets very hot, so my phael is watered 2 times/week summer. Once per week in winter when I move them back indoors. It is doing very well. I have had the plant for 2 years, and repotted it into the bark shortly after I purchased it. It has bloomed beautifully both years.