Sphagnum Moss

[31drew31]

IMO media isnt really a big factor, its how you use the media. Sphagnum holds water longer so less need for watering compared to bark for example. Ive grown Masdevallias in bark and perlite with good success but prefer sphagnum in small net pots.

You say you hate sphagnum which I find funny as I love the stuff haha. Have you tried live sphagnum? This is even better than the dry stuff for Masdevallia's but is hard to use unless you have very high humidity or like to water everyday.

[Oscarman]

I would think S/H would work well - air at the roots,moisture wicking upwards and providing some humidity at the surface. Due to the evaporation, you should find the plants have a cooler growing environment at the roots.

[AnonYMouse]

I want to let everyone know that my remaining Masdies are doing well, good roots and new growth. Since I don't know which variables made the difference, I won't be entirely confident until I successfully bloom them twice. I won't even look at them funny until then.

I started this thread to make sure Sphag didn't have some magical properties required for Masdie care. I've never seen any of the advantages.

Thanks for all your input.

[RJSquirrel]

I dont know how anyone grows masdies in sphagnum either

[Bolero]

No luck. I find that other mediums dry out unevenly which affects the plants. Bark and coconut for example dry out quickly on top and the bottom stays wetter so it's hard to rewater as often as they like.

I can't think of a medium I haven't tried them in and for me the only one that work is Sphagnum.

SOrry matey.

[AnonYMouse]

I hate the stuff! I am forever picking/sweeping up tiny bits of it. They look like bowls of bad rice (if/when I get neos, they will not be potted in the traditional samurai manner). And because I am a medium sniffer, I don't think they smell as fresh as other media.