Substrate questions!

11 years ago

I bought two large Phalaenopsis plants last December because they were on sale for $5. I knew almost nothing about them so the more I research now the more questions I have. I bought a miracle gro orchid mix that's mostly made up of bark and used it on the original two as soon as I brought them home. They were both doing so well that I bought a third tiny orchid a few months later. However, this time I made the huge mistake of not replacing the moss that was came planted in. The substrate compacted and smothered the roots, killing the plant. I also put some moss around one of the original large orchids and it caused rot on two of the roots. Is an all bark mix appropriate for Phalaenopsis or do I need to add other things? I see some pretty fancy looking orchid mixes online; are they necessary? How often should I repot? How small should the pots I keep them in be? One of my orchids has grown a ton of new roots and a couple of leaves so it appears to be doing great but could it still rot without me noticing until it's too late? How do I ensure that doesn't happen?

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Comments (6)

arthurm2015
11 years ago
You have to have a watering routine that is appropriate for the mix and your growing conditions. The moss might be fine provided you can stay your watering hand.

The answer to all those other questions depends entirely on where you are in the USA and the growing conditions you can provide.

Getting back to the mix. I am using treated Radiata Pine Bark Chunks + Perlite about 50% of each.

I think many people overlook the fact that those large thick leaves are pretty good water storage units. So together with all this rain forest /heat/humidity stuff the tendency is to water too often and the potting mix ends up being a swamp.

Anyway, give more details for fine tuning advice.
jane__ny
11 years ago
Where do you live!!

Jane
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Celeste
Original Author
11 years ago
I live in Chicago and my plants are being grown in east and west facing windows. How often do you water with your mix?
arthurm2015
11 years ago
Better advice will come from Jane.

I put my collection outside in a glass-house for summer. Plants were low down near the floor and a fan ran 24/7 Watered every 2 or 3 days with a hose set on mist.

Winter, plants are inside in this room. Watered about once every 7 days at the kitchen sink.

What are the temps like in your house. Winter? Summer?
Celeste
Original Author
11 years ago
Mine seems to be doing well inside I don't think it needs the full sun it would get if I put it outside. Temps in the summer are probably 70-80 during the day but drop to the 60s at night. In the winter its 65-68 day and night.
shavedmonkey (Harvey in South Fl.)Z10b
11 years ago
Celeste, welcome to the world of orcoholics. We are pleasantly addicted and you are getting there. Potting material can be a challenge. Consideration is needed for the plants comforts and needs, the environment and your ability to take time to care for the plants. Some combinations will require more or less watering depending on the potting material, the pot, clay or plastic or mounting the plants. The phals are popular and widespread and there is likely an answer to the best combination for success. The answer keepers are the local growers. Join a local society. You will learn a lot. At the first meeting when things start, you will need to stand up and say my name is Celeste and I'm an orcoholic never to recover with a constant grin! Then there will be answers for your phals.