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

[OzPhal]

Hi Folks, so I've been asking a lot of questions about potting mixes for phalaenopsis spp lately and it seems the majority of the conversation comes back to sphagnum moss... So who uses bark mix?

1) what mix works for you?
2) what conditions do you grow under?
3) what works for you in regard watering?


All of your thoughts and input are appreciated

[Ray]

I have used 50% medium (#5A, Power+) Orchiata bark, with 25% each charcoal and spongerock of about the same dimensions. I grow in a warm greenhouse, and use the "firehose technique", completely flooding the plants via a handheld watering wand. In summer, I water about every 3 days, with mostly longer intervals in winter (unless it's so clear the sun heats the greenhouse particularly well).

I really don't think medium choice is all that important - as long as it, coupled with your watering habits and growing conditions - meet the needs of the plants.

I grow phals in that mix, that mix with bits of sphagnum, straight sphagnum, straight bark, and in LECA using S/H culture.

[OzPhal]

Thanks Ray, I really appreciate and value your input... your knowledge and skills are well spoken of in the forum so I appreciate your taking the time!

Cheers

[keithrs]

I have mine in orchiata power 5 with hydroton. I grow mine in my grow tent which has a low of 60 and a high of around 95. I water like Ray.

[zxyqu]

I have a single plant in bark, power 5 orchiata. It's a cornu-cervi that was originally mounted, that didn't like it at all, so it got put in a pot with a really airy media, in an aircone pot. It's recovered really well in this mix, just needs watering more often. I also water like Ray, and I'd consider watering like Ray does for most everyplant, as it helps flush the crap out of the media that may build up over time if you water from underneath.

[dounoharm]

i use straight hi quality fir bark, large chunks, mixed with charcoal and dyna rock...i grow in a warm greenhouse, and water like ray 'firehose' method with tap water about every 4 days.....ther grow fine for me.......

[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.