Larger pieces of potting mix

[MysticOrchid]

I repotted one overgrown phalaenopsis orchid in a potting mix which I made. It's made of coconut chips, charcoal and some stones. But because of the larger pieces of the potting mix, I am confused with the watering. Should I water more often?

[Discus]

Free draining and quick drying often go hand in hand - but only experience with your mix will tell; coconut husk chips can hold quite a lot of water; if the pot looks and feels dry, it's probably time to water; if the plant is in a clear pot, look at the velamen on the roots; if it's white, it's dry and could probably do with more water. In general, you can safely err on the side of underwatering, but if the leaves start to shrivel, you're definitely underwatering!

[MysticOrchid]

The problem is that my orchid is in non-clear pot, it's in plastic pot, and I can't see what's goin on with the roots inside

[Ray]

Fill an identical empty pot with the same medium, and pick it up to assess its weight.

Water it, and as time passes, reassess it's weight. When you think it's dry, water both.


Ray Barkalow
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[MysticOrchid]

Actually that's a nice idea! Thank you a lot!

[WhiteRabbit]

Also, try using a skewer in the media. Removes the guess work from watering.

[Bud]

Macedonia this time of year is pleasant spring weather(35C in the day -15C at night) with perfect humidity for orchids outdoors (just put your Phal in the shade)
The way you described the mix, I would water it every other day in the warmer months and every week in winter....I also use large mix for my large Phals.....