Best Potting Mixes for Phalaenopsis Orchid

There are a variety of mediums that are available for one to try, but Phalaenopsis are usually grown in either sphagnum moss or a bark mix. Many prefer bark mix as they dry out in a shorter time when compared with Sphagnum moss. When subjected to environmental conditions and watering habits, this mix can be chosen.

Facts You Must Know About Phalaenopsis Orchid

“Phals” or Moth Orchids are suitable to be grown at homes. These types of orchids have become very popular among different varieties of orchids as they can thrive very well, at home on a window ledge.

This variety of orchids comes from Southeast Asia, but nowadays, one can find man-made hybrid kinds, which look nothing like the wild species.

In order to prevent the moth orchids from drying out entirely, more absorbent materials like peat moss, tree fern, or perlite are added to the mix.

Moth orchids are famous for their delicate and attractive blossoms, which are white. In the natural habitat, they require a host plant, so they grow on trees such as epiphytes. Able to grow on trees sets them apart from other types of terrestrial orchids and flowers, which sprout from the ground.

Therefore, a potting material is needed, which comes from a host tree or mimics one. Abundant air circulation is required in the potting medium, as the roots of moth orchids welcome the breeze when growing on tree limbs in the jungle.

Requirements for Potting Mixes

Many-a-times, we have the notion that potting mixes only consist of dirt. But they include dried plant fibers, gravel, bark and much more. When making a mix for an orchid, one will not find soil in it, as the roots of the orchids require more air space that can be provided by the soil.

Not only that, but orchids also require potting material, which can retain the moisture and simultaneously drain rapidly. Since orchids last at least for a year, at times even longer, therefore between potting, they need materials, which decompose at a slower pace.

By combining a different kind of organic materials, one can create a mix for growing orchids. Tree fern, fir bark, charcoal, sphagnum moss, sphagnum peat, diatomite, perlite, coconut husk chips, or any combination of these materials can be used to plant moth orchids or Phalaenopsis.

Coarse cut materials can be used to promote nutrient and water retention, proper root aeration, and root drainage. Not only these, but one also needs to keep in mind consistency, weight, cost, stability, and other considerations when making mixes for orchid potting.

Best Potting Mixes for Phalaenopsis Orchid in The Market Today

1) REPOTME ALL PURPOSE ORCHID MIX

This mix was developed in response to the need for the more viable combination than the Imperial or Classic range, and this multi-usage; the economic mix is suitable for a variety of orchids.

Since it uses only two materials- coconut husk chips along with perlite, therefore the price of this mix is quite low. The usage of these two materials allows for more airflow and more water retention to the roots of the orchids. The absence of the soil in this potting mix allows a high level of aeration in the plant.

This mix comes in a mini bag, or junior sizes.one can use it straight from Ziploc bags. And this mix is suitable for different kinds and varieties of orchids.

2) SUN BULB 5002 BETTER-GRO SPECIAL ORCHID MIX

This Sun Bulb unique orchid mix is a combination of sponge rock, hardwood charcoal, and western fir bark. It is apt for all kinds of epiphytic orchids and is an excellent multi-purpose medium. Since this mix is versatile, therefore both professional growers and orchids hobbyists can use it.

The team of highly trained orchid growers has put this mix together. This mix has been designed keeping in mind the needs of orchid for nutrition, drainage, and retained moisture, which in turn ensure that the plants are long-lasting and healthy. The roots of the orchid plants benefit from the presence of perlite and charcoal, which are essential for proper drainage.

When rescuing a struggling plant, this potting mix has shown excellent results.

3) PHALAENOPSIS MONTEREY DARK IMPERIAL ORCHID MIX

Due to the presence of Orchiata Monterey bark, this potting mix from the Company rePotme is of a darker shade when compared with others. To keep orchids well watered in stores, they are stored in moss.

Moss is an excellent potting media, but it is mostly too densely packed for the orchids, which are grown at home. For achieving better drainage and airflow, with this potting mix, high quality of fluffy moss is loosely combined with Orchiata bark.

Phals are epiphytes, which means rather than sitting in a pot, they would be hanging off a tree. This unique mix of Spag Moss, Orchiata Monterey pine bark, big sponge rocks, and Hydroton, recreates perfect environment on one’s windowsill.

A see-through stuffed resealable bag with handles permits one to see what exactly is in the bag. Before leaving the factory, this bag is hand-inspected to look for bugs or larvae in the potting mix.