Phalaenopsis Orchid Plant - repot using moss or bark?

Question

I will be repoting my orchid this weekend and wanted to know what's best, moss or bark? I also read that I can use bark and mix in some moss, about 20%; is this true? I got the orchid as a gift and the pot it came in doesn't have the holes at the bottom so it's retaining too much water. Two of my leafs died already =( Thanks!

Answer 1

Don't use moss - it will suffocate roots if kept wet.

Use a commercially prepared orchid mix in a well drained pot for best results.

Answer 2

I prefer to use solely bark chippings,  that I buy from nurseries - rather than odd bits of wood I could pick up.  I've not done quite so well when I've used moss as well.

If you've recently had your Phalaenopsis, it probably won't need a larger pot,  just some drainage.  Their roots rot very easily,  so the supplier didn't care for their wellbeing that much!  

Their roots can photosynthesize, so a transparent pot is fine,  although these aren't as easy to come by in general gardening supplies outlets - I've got tons of them, due to the volume of Orchids that I've grown.  Can send 1 over if you like?

Repot in future when your plant is potpound, or the growing medium has decayed alot.

Hope this helps.  Good luck!  Rob

Answer 3

A well drained yet water retentive mix is best... bark and moss is fine.  Also perlite and charcoal added to above will help.  Water by running the water through pot for 1 minute then leave til it's dried out before next watering... usually about 7 days but can be between 3 & 20 days depending on conditions.  Clear pot is recommended so that you can see the moisture inside pot.