Growing phals in moss in a wardian case/orchidarium

[CMG]

I have set up two cases with phals. After some problems with heat units(northern Canada) they are happily growing new roots and buds. Humidity is 70-80 range and temp is about 75 degrees during the day.My concern now is the commercial moss mix that they came in. While neither unit
is completely sealed, the moss in the pots is not drying out. I am worried that root rot may set in. I have not transplanted because the poor things arrived on the -30 C day and had to recover from the shock. Firstly, should I remove the moss and replace with something else? If so, does anyone have any recommendations on an optimal mix?

Thanks.

[janet_a]

if you can maintain perfect humidity, then i'd go with a very open coarse mix--coarse bark, for instance. the constantly-wet moss is definitely a cause for concern. just proseoak it for about 48 hours.

[Willc73]

with that humidity, I see why they aren't drying out. You can either wait, maybe 3-4 weeks between waterings which would be fine as long as you keep the crowns dry. I would lower the humidity to 60%. Moss is fine to grow in, no need to repot. I have been growing phals in a greenhouse for 15 years, I use to keep humidity above 60% but that causes more problems. 50% - 60% is ideal.

[CMG]

Thanks for the info. As they are flowering I'll try lowering the humidity first. If that doesn't work then I'll repot.

[kmarch]

I have seen people grow Paphs in this manner also, and quite successfully. I think, whatever mix you use, open, fresh, and gently/evenly moist is the key. I'd watch the plants and mix closely. Do you have any kind of air flow in the case? Good air flow helps to prevent a whole host of rot-type ailments.

Happy Growing!

-Kevin

[CMG]

Thanks for the advice. The one Victorian style case has a small mounted computer fan inside. I have not utilized it much because the orientation is wrong. There is too much direct airflow on the plants. I think I am going to move it to direct the air to the back of the case and the airflow will rebound on to the plants. The second case is a lizard/amphibian case. It has a air vent system which is meant to flow air from the bottom to inside the case. I am intending to mount the computer fan on the outside and force the air through the vents. Again there should be little direct flow. I have dropped the humidity down to the 50-60% range and this seems to be helping.

[ann]

I would like some help also with these Paphs mine has not flowed since I bought it, I have it in a north facing window, I would like to know what to feed it and how often. I live in Newcastle NSW australia, thank you

[brookn]

CMG direct airflow on Phals. is not a big concern, mine love to have a fan blowing on them.

[Evangeline Bourne]

I thought phals liked a temp drop to bloom? wouldnt putting them in a terrarium type environment screw that up a little?
Sorry just trying to satisfy my curiosity and learn something new.

[brookn]

Crap, I did not realize this was an old post.