I have a lot of Phals growing in sphagnum, and doing exceedingly well. In fact, I would say that those in sphagnum are doing better than the ones in bark. However, each is potted in a very open basket pot so that they get plenty of air and dry out in 2 to 3 days. In regular pots, sphagnum will retain too much water and block too much air, so that a beginner is almost sure to over-water.
IN my opinion, it's vital to focus on the root health when an orchid is in sphagnum and a typical pot, or especially if potted in the thin, clear plastic grow pots Phals are often sold in. Sure, the amount of water found in two ice cubes per week is likely adequate, it's still problematic. First, you're putting ice onto a tropical plant, which to me simply makes no sense. Second, if the amount of water is adequate, it's barely so. Third, with this method, unless you make ice cubes with fertilizer the plant won't get fertilizer! And finally, the pot is never flushed, so it will build up deposits of salts and minerals in the tap water.
Nope. Not for me.
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