I'm an orchid novice and since I have only one (for now), prepackaged mix is what I'm using :)

Thank you both for your replies!

I do know to stay clear of miracle grow, thanks to the advice of other gardeners. Yes! One of the kinds I have found was better grow.

I always use the pre-made mix just as you describe for my phals. They do very well in it. Something with finer roots would want something less chunky, but phals love it.

Thank you for replying! That is very good to know! Thanks for the info!

There's not much bad thing to say about most orchid potting mixes.

It really depends more on your environment and how you water. For a phal, this mix may dry out too fast if you live in places such as the Southwest region of the US.

I've observed that if live moss growing on the potting bark doesn't stay alive, then it's probably drying out too fast for a phal to thrive. And in such situation, more constant watering or a sphagnum moss medium may be better suited.

I think where I am at, it gets pretty humid sometimes, and I think that would be appropriate for the mix I described.

Thank you all!!