What medium is best??? and When should I repot???? are topics covered often on this forum. The answers are as varied as the number of growers we have. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong. We live all over the world and our conditions are vastly different, as well as our personal preferences and habits. As a beginner, it is your job to find out what works best for YOU.
The trick is to find a mix that works best for
you in
your conditions with
your watering habits. Spraghum moss works great for some of us; I'm with Brook here - I only use it on species Phals. I have killed more orchids with bark than any other mix, but many like it and think it is best for beginners. I don't, because bark doesn't absorb water well when it's new, and then it decomposes and a newbie may not be able to recognise the signs of soggy bark and root rot will happen eventually. Just a personal opinion!
In general, orchids can grow in almost anything. What needs to adjust is how much and how often you water your orchid. The skewer method is excellent for learning and I still use it. If you live in a hot, muggy area, moss may not be for you unless your orchid likes to stay wet. (most don't)
ALL orchids like good drainage. Pick a pot with lots of holes and water your plant until water pours out of the bottom. Put your skewer into the mix all the way to the bottom of the pot and leave it there. Twisting it as you push to the bottom helps the skewer to 'bounce' off of roots it may encounter, rather than putting a hole through it. Go slow! As a learning experience, check the skewer every day and water when it is dry or slightly damp, depending on your orchid and what it's needs are.
This is very important: You won't know if a mix is working for your and your plant unless you leave it there for at least one growing season. Pick a mix, any mix, plant your orchid, set your skewer and water as indicated.
You will be the determining factor more so than what media you use.
Many of us repot immediately when we buy a new orchid, blooming or not. I am one of these because I have lost a few orchids to rotten moss below the surface where I could not see it. Phals don't seem to mind; I have rarely lost a bloom because I repotted. In any case, I would rather lose a few flowers than lose the entire plant.
I hope I have helped more than confused! Take in all the advice you will hear from 'geeks, nursery people and friends and pick one that you feel will best suit your needs and your orchids. Beware of anyone who says "this is the only way to grow orchids." If they are successful with a certain method, that's great. It may not work for you and don't feel like a failure if you follow their exact instructions and your orchid dies. Try something else until it fits YOU. And remember ----This is a hobby and should be FUN!!!
