My First Miltonia! - Page 2 - Orchid Board

new_orchid_rescuer · #11 10-01-2007, 07:17 PM

There is an orchid society in Ottawa. That's a good idea. maybe I'll email them. The next meeting isn't for 3 weeks.
Gloria, I've never grown in sphag. Everything I've ever bought with sphag has had root rot so I'm a bit nervous about using sphag.

Toddybear · #12 10-01-2007, 08:31 PM

I grew Miltonia for years and accodian wrinkle was always a problem. More recently I potted them in 100% New Zealand sphagnum and they are loving it! No wrinkling at all.

kiki-do · #13 10-01-2007, 08:56 PM

What are the differences between sphagnum moss and New Zealand sphagnum moss? I received an orchid recently that was in NZ sphag. moss and it's still really wet. This worries me, but it specifies NZ moss to be the best medium for this orchid. Regular sphag. moss stays really wet also and I have had root rot with Phals. due to it. I watch this plant with a bit of nervousness. And where does one find this special type moss? Thanks!
kiki-do

Lagoon · #14 10-01-2007, 10:31 PM

Basically it's the grade of moss. I'm using 2 types - NZ sphag. moss and high-grade Canadian chilean moss. I like both, The CCM does dry out faster then the NZ moss - It's a smaller fiber, holds moisture well yet dries out faster.

I cut my moss up and combind this with coarse rok grade #3. It works just wonderful, I also grow catts in this mix.
Yes indeed I've gotten many many orchids rotted away in sphag. moss and swore I would never ever use this if I had the choice.
Well bark didn't work out for me, got tired of the waterings, just couldn't keep up. I knew there must have been a better way.
It's just a matter of putting 2 & 2 together, then it works out.

Don't be afraid to try out things, Any sphag. moss I've gotten in with my orchids was already LONG OVER-DUE for repotting and that's why the 'chids we're rotten

new_orchid_rescuer · #15 10-01-2007, 11:04 PM

Thats true, every one I've bought with moss has been soo increadibly packed that I wondered how it actually managed to get that way!

cupcake · #16 10-02-2007, 04:43 PM

Beautiful Milti! I love them and the fragrance is heavenly! I MUST get some more!

lindad3406 · #17 10-05-2007, 02:22 PM

Lovely flowers you have there. I love these orchids. Stupid me, I just got 2 in yesterday from a grower in Hawaii. Beautful plants, but I didn't do my research. I live in Hot/Dry Texas and is going to be a challenge to keep these moist. I am thinking about a terrarium set up. Any input on this? Sorry if I am stealing this thread, I just am conserned.