Chunky old Den Phal thriving in ... gravel?!?

[Orchidbyte]

I grow all my potted epiphytes in chunk gravel and styrofoam chunks, I get gravel free from local building supply store and styrofoam from packing material. For my growing conditions gravel works best, I even use smaller size gravel in my terrestrial mix. I seem to have the best root growth with gravel, even epiphytes that would rather be mounted grow better.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by mexicowpants

Can't see any traces of moss between the stones... Maybe there was originally, but there definitely hasn't been for at least a year. I think I'm gonna follow leafmite's advice and try to break the pot apart a bit before sinking it into a bigger pot with more gravel. We seem to have its watering regime down to a tee right now, so why disturb the balance?

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Second and third photos, there definitely is some sphagnum present. Probably added to retain a bit of moisture. I would still repot as Leafmite suggested. Really only needed when the plant is going over the edge of the pot.

FWIW, I have a Dendrobium spectabile that is planted in mostly volcanic scoria with roughly 10% chunky bark and charcoal. It is happy as a clam.

[mexicowpants]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Second and third photos, there definitely is some sphagnum present. Probably added to retain a bit of moisture. I would still repot as Leafmite suggested. Really only needed when the plant is going over the edge of the pot.

FWIW, I have a Dendrobium spectabile that is planted in mostly volcanic scoria with roughly 10% chunky bark and charcoal. It is happy as a clam.

That sphagnum is the remainder of what we placed over the top of the gravel to help retain moisture while we were on vacation for 3 weeks in December. There's none further down, as far as I can tell. BTW, I don't recommend that method for den Phals, a couple of ours rotted at the base of their canes.

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[azredsand]

Orchid byte---how often do you water your plants?

[Orchidbyte]

Originally Posted by azredsand

Orchid byte---how often do you water your plants?

I have a small greenhouse with about 200 plants in pots on tables but my problem is I also have about 300 mounted plants above them. The mounts want water everyday, sometimes a couple of times a day and there is my problem or what use to be a problem for the potted plants. I use a mister nozzle to wet mounts and pots get dripped on, I really only water pots once a week during heat and every other week when cooler. But I water mounted plants practically everyday.

I have several orchids in gravel outdoors in gravel and they get water every couple of days during summer and weekly water in cooler unless rain.

[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

Orchids can be grown in (almost) anything, as long as you adjust your watering & fertizing schedule accordingly.

I recently received some Laelia anceps from Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, which were in plastic pots with all rocks (1"-1.1/2" size). They were doing fine, but to fit in with the rest of my collection, they are now in clay pots with a bark/charcoal mix. And, they are growing fine this spring.

Mind BLOWN lol so what kind of gravel will work? I have pea gravel I bought for my succulents will that work? I'm so excited this will keep me from having to repot so often!!! Any info will be most helpful ty!!!

[Orchidbyte]

Originally Posted by Irielicious

Mind BLOWN lol so what kind of gravel will work? I have pea gravel I bought for my succulents will that work? I'm so excited this will keep me from having to repot so often!!! Any info will be most helpful ty!!!

I use 3/4" chunk gravel like would be used for roads and walking paths, I also put chunky pieces of styrofoam on bottom 1/3 of pot to decrease weight.

I do use pea gravel but mainly for seedlings and as a mix for Paphs. And other plants that like moisture but not wet feet.

[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by Orchidbyte

I use 3/4" chunk gravel like would be used for roads and walking paths, I also put chunky pieces of styrofoam on bottom 1/3 of pot to decrease weight.

I do use pea gravel but mainly for seedlings and as a mix for Paphs. And other plants that like moisture but not wet feet.

Wow nice!!! Should I give the gravel a good rinse? Also, can you use just pea gravel with Phalaenopsis? I only ask as you said you use it in a "mix". Thanks so much for taking the time to help me, I really appreciate it!

[mexicowpants]

Any stone I use for repotting I usually soak in a mild bleach solution for a half hour or so, and then give it a few good times with clean water.

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[Irielicious]

Originally Posted by mexicowpants

Any stone I use for repotting I usually soak in a mild bleach solution for a half hour or so, and then give it a few good times with clean water.

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Thanks for the advice!! I washed the pea gravel really well but I haven't had the chutzpah to move my phalaenopsis over to it yet lol.