No Media

[theroc1217]

I have a few phals that I received as rescues. They have great root systems above the media, but everything in it is crap. Has anyone ever tried to grow them without media?

[RosieC]

Media is really for supporting the plant. It also allows you to water less often by holding moisture near the roots.

If you are happy to water every day and can find a way to support the plant then it can be done.

I've done it for a few months at a time to help rescue one with struggling roots, by just resting it in an empty pot.

Otherwise some people hang orchids I believe, or that's also where mounts come in. Mounts without any moss covering the roots are pretty like growing it bare root, people just use moss to stop the roots drying too fast in dry climates.

[tucker85]

I have three phals mounted on tree fern fiber. It's difficult to grow them mounted unless you have an automatic watering system. They need water almost every day so you can't even leave for a weekend unless you arrange to have someone water them. All three of mine have survived and grown but one of them is doing extremely well on a mount.

[theroc1217]

Sounds good. They'll be in a humidity cage so they shouldn't suffer from missing a day of water.

[theroc1217]

They've also got a very good amount of roots, around 15-20 so support shouldn't be a problem either.

[ALToronto]

Lava rock will support the roots but is as close to 'no media' as you can get. I've potted a few plants that way; I need to water them every day.

[Edward Brookes]

ever considered trying the glass vase method? No medium, plant sitting above the neck of the vase, roots in the vase with water. Am doing it with 7 phals & results are encouraging after 4 months

[Bud]

Right, I am doing vase method for a couple of my Vandas....I guess you can also do that for Phalaenopsis.

[Edward Brookes]

Great, & now there are quite a few sites posted by people who are succeeding with phals in vases, even Cattleyas! I like being able to see the activity of the roots, & the most unhealthy of plants I have transferred to vases have responded really well. Proof of this "Pudding" will be in the flowering. The new roots certainly look extremely healthy.

[Anne McGee]

Can anyone tell me more about growing phals in vases?I am nursing a phal with lots of air roots that had dried out but turned green again after soaking. Leaves are all withered.cape fear