Phal. bellina 'Chin Yeo' - Orchid Board

Orquiadicto · #1 10-07-2012, 11:33 AM

I've ordered this phal. from Schwerter Orchideenzucht in Germany and I guess I'll be recieving her next Wednesday. I didn't read the description well enough and I just saw that it will be delivered in a 4-inch pot with sphagnum. I don't have any experience with sphagnum, so what would you suggest me to do? Shall I leave her in sphagnum till she acclimates to my conditions or would it be better to change her into another medium right away? What medium would be the best? She'll be blooming size, but not blooming with a leafspan of about 6-8" (15-20 cm).

tucker85 · #2 10-07-2012, 11:51 AM

I like to let an orchid get used to my conditions for at least a few days before repotting. Just let the sphagnum dry out between waterings. Phals generally don't mind being repotted but I find species are a little more sensitive than hybrids. I think you should use the same medium that you grow your other phals in, since that would be the medium you have the most experience with. Species tend to like to dry out a little more than hybrids so consider using the smallest pot that the roots will comfortably fit in so there isn't too much extra moisture.

Pilot · #3 10-07-2012, 12:04 PM

I don't care for moss either but what I finally learned is that the use of a spray bottle had saved me. It allows me to carefully add water to the moss and roots slowly and to the point that the roots never dry out completely but are never too wet. Now I don't fear moss like before. And I really hated the stuff for a long time!!! I say this bc my bellinas like the moss more than my sh methods despite using boots heat for them.

Orquiadicto · #4 10-15-2012, 07:28 PM

Today the bellina I ordered from Schwerter arrived. It was excellent packed and it looks very strong and healthy (as the other three I ordered together with this one). I hope the moss won't cause me problems. Here's a picture from it, just unpacked. When I have time i'll post some more pictures of it.

Phal. bellina 'Chin Yeo'-imageuploadedbytapatalk1350340090-527905-jpg

Orquiadicto · #5 10-20-2012, 05:21 PM

Today I had finally time to have a closer look at the bellina. I took her out of the pot to have a look at the roots, since it's potted in sphagnum and I don't have experience with this medium. Everything looks just fine. I cleaned the pot (it was all green with algae) and made some holes on the side so the roots can get more air. I hope I can get her to bloom.