potting media for frequently watered phals?

[greengarden]

It's crushed bluestone I think in it's finer form used for seating fence posts, etc we call it 'metal dust'. I'll look into the pH of it but I might just give it a go anyway.

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by greengarden

It's crushed bluestone I think in it's finer form used for seating fence posts, etc we call it 'metal dust'. I'll look into the pH of it but I might just give it a go anyway.

I heard those who grow Catts are really fond of lava rock but I tried it with Phals and recently I discontinued using it. The reason - it's hard to check the level of moisture with the skewer against the rock. Some of the roots actually got attached to lava rock placed in a centre as it holds some moisture, and eventually rotted.

I wouldn't use other rocks with nothing else added as my concern would be hurting the roots. Phals grow on trees, not on rocks.
I've recently switched to coconut fibers found in a pet store and now I water every 2-3 days. I'm not sure if I like the frequency as opposed to using the bark mix but Phals tender growing roots seem to enjoy it.
The only drawback with coconut fibers - the mix requires extensive soaking and rinsing (5-6 days in a row) to get rid of salt deposits. Still I think it's worth it.

My 2

Lilia

[Leafmite]

I usually put larger rock in the bottom and middle, smaller rock on top. I have never had any trouble with it even when we have had a few weeks of rain. I think the trick is the extra air space in the lower part of the pot.