Mixing mediums

[Winterwhite]

I know I posted this yesterday but can't find it. So maybe I didn't.

I read in Ortho's Orchid Book that you shouldn't pot orchids with two different mediums. I have repotted and potted some of my new babies in a combination of spagnum moss and a medium bark mix. I put spagnum on the bottom, then layer some bark mix and the add more spagnum moss. And I frequently put moss on top. Unfortunately the moss on top dries quite fast and disguises the dampness of the bark mix. So it always looks as if my orchids are dry. Any thoughts ojn this?

Also, some of my orchid leaves are getting leathery looking. Does this reflect a lack of water?

Thank you for your thoughts. Mary

[Aniko]

Her are the answers to your questions
Mixing mediums.

I not only mix bark, sphagnum moss, perlite and charcoal, I often throw in some ceramic pellets and diatomite, for weight as well as moisture retention.

[desertgal]

Has anyone mixed fine bark mix and aliflor for paphs?

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

If you can't find the other post, then I will repeat my self. Don't layer things, except to put a drier medium at the bottom, like pebbles. If you have plants with layers of bark on shagnum moss, repot them very soon, or you will have trouble, unless the layers of moss are very thin and will be wicked dry by the bark. Wet moss and dry bark is a likely outcome of the layering practice. So, dead rotted roots in the moss, and dry thirsty roots in the bark. But, of course, you may prove me wrong, as has happened before.