| You have a ton of choices on what to pot your phal in. There are probably at least 20-30 choices of single items and various mixes. In the wild phals grow on trees - hence, no mix at all. Someone in my orchid society has all of his phals mounted on bark - none of them planted in any media at all. These are in a greenhouse with plenty of humidity. They are thriving. Putting them in pots and media is for OUR benefit - to be able to care for them less and gives us the opportunity to move them as we wish. In general, if you tend to over-pamper your plants I would suggest larger media - like medium to coarse bark - that drains very well (soak for 24-48 hours before use). The quickest way to kill a phal is to keep the roots too wet. Professional growers and longer term growers often use a finer mix and then monitor the moisture levels within to assure that root rot issues do not develop - some use straight NZ sphagnum moss, a mix of sphag and bark, coconut chips, etc. I am currently having good luck with a mix of coir (coconut fiber), perlite and small amount of charcoal. Lots of DIFFERENT options work well for different people. It is up to each person to find a media that works well for your environment and your care techniques. Good luck - Mike  |