Another potting question

[skipper]

I grow Phals, and I use a mix of spag and other ingredients in my mix. I have been happy with it but like most would like to try something different on a plant or two. I have read with interest the posts on coir as the main ingredient in mixes for Phals. I thought about coir, but then decided to order shredded coconut husk instead. My question is has anyone used this as an ingredient in any of thier mixes and how have you liked the results? I thought it might have better drainage because it is a larger product than coir. Looking forward to your input.

Dale

I use coconut for my phals mixed with charcoal, lava rocks and perlites ...coconut doesn't disintegrate easily like the barks and coir.

[skipper]

Anky, do you use the shredded coconut or do you use the chunks?

[koshki]

Skipper,
After trying everything else, I use Mayres' recipe found here: http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gee...and-media.html

I repotted a large Dtps recently that had been in that mix for over 18 months, thinking it might need to be replaced, but mostly because the plant had grown so much I needed to put it in a deeper pot for stability. As it turns out, the mix had not broken down at all, and I did not have a single bad root. In fact, they were all huge and gorgeous.

I don't like how CHC has a tendency to stick to roots and can sometimes damage them when you repot. Drainage is not really an issue with this mix...it provides plenty of air to the roots while maintaining a very steady supply of water. I don't even bother with styrofoam peanuts anymore.

This mix really suits me because you can tell exactly when the plant needs to be watered...no guess work at all. Plus you don't have to water as frequently.

This is the only media I put my phals in. I highly recommend it.

[skipper]

Katherine, I have read this post and thought that his formula looked like a good one. The only thing I was going to change was to subsitute shredded coconut for the coir, thus my post. I was looking for anyone that has used the shredded material. Thanks for posting.

Dale

[katrina]

I've used a good deal of the shredded CHC and I do like it. I've used it w/masdies, bulbos, and a few other moisture lovers w/good success. I've always mixed it w/other ingredients...never used it on it's own.

The only downside to it...it's a PITA to soak and rinse. I'm not suggesting anyone follow this but because it is such a PITA, I stopped rinsing it and noticed no difference even w/the masdies. Of course, I do buy it from repotme and they say they rinse well...they must.

[skipper]

Kat, Do you find that it drains well, and what else do you mix with it? I will be using it in place of moss in my mix for Phals. I to ordered it from repotme, great place. Thanks Kat

Dale

[katrina]

W/my masdies I mixed it w/sphag. W/the bulbos I used sphag/larger chc chunks and stalite. Off the top of my head, I don't remember what other plants I'm using it with and what their mixes are. (too many orchids?)

Anyway...

Masdies are the "wettest" of my uses w/it and in some I'm using a 50/50 mix w/sphag. It stays very moist but not soggy in the slightest. It drains very nicely. Even after a year it's very airy and nice and these guys are kept really wet most of the time.

The only downside I've noticed w/the shredded (this just occurred to me) is that the size can vary from one order to the next. I've had it where it is literally shredded to the point that it's super shredded...hairy almost. Other times it's tiny little chunks. I don't know if it's a processing issue or just how repotme gets it but that part is a little disappointing.

Other than that...I've been very pleased w/it. I keep a steady supply on hand at all times.

I should add...it doesn't hold moisture like coir. I don't know if that matters for your purpose or not but thought I'd throw it out there.

I got my coconut mix from repotme.com...I asked them for what's best for their phals...they recommended it to me, so I bought two 10lbs bags

[skipper]

Thanks to everyone that took the time to answer. I am looking forward to using this "new blend". I will let you know how it works. Thanks again

Dale