No answers? The only times I have seen vermiculite used it was part of mix, and then only for small plants in tubes.

What is the name of your single orchid?

Vermiculite typically retains too much water for orchids, I have also only seen it used successfully with seedling orchids such as Paphs and ground orchids that like to stay moist without drying out between waterings. You do not have to use sphagnum moss either though, no matter what type of orchid you have, so don't feel like it has to be one or the other.

Arthurm I'm not sure the type because it was done flowering when I got it on sale. I got it to see if I could get it to flower again.

JM - thank you for the exact info I wanted to get. Seems like I can use the Vermiculite to germinate seeds but I'll stick to the bark and moss for the orchid I have. Right now it is planted in moss but come sprint I'm thinking of a transplant to a new larger pot with more of a bark mix. For now I'll read more before I do any transplanting.

Dave

Hi Dave

I think vermiculite is now frowned upon because of health issues it can bring up. I remember this being in the news in the last few year. The dust is dangerous to inhale.

I use straight Perlite to root back bulbs or pseudobulbs. No over watering please keep on the barely moist side. It takes a long time, but it does work for at least 50% of those I've tried. Then you have a plant for a 'spare' or to share.
I use perlite also in the mix for terrestrial growing orchids, but it is 1/3 the mix or less with charcoal and finer bark.
I don't use it for any epiphytes as the mix needs to be open airy drain well.

Good luck!
Maryanne in chilly WMass