any thoughts on Schultz Orchid Mix?

[Marcia_pa]

A new orchid owner question--Any comments on using Schultz Orchid Mix, which is "western fir bark, horticultural charcoal and a naturally occurring volcanic rock," for potting phals? I rescued 6 small phals last weekend that are currently planted in sphagnum. I have two plants at home and 4 in my office (currently hiding from my hubby ). One at home had very rotted roots and one's roots seem to be nice, thick and firm.

I have read that many mediums will work okay, as long as the owner waters accordingly. I also read the tip about using a skewer to check on the need to water and I will try that soon. Just wondering about others' experiences with this particular mix.

Thanks for your comments.
Marcia,

[mayres]

Marcia -
My mom has grown several phals successfully in this for years - though I have personally found that my plants grow better and faster in a more closed mix. If I were new to growing phals and had it on hand I would certainly use it and then read and experiment with other media in time and see if you like other options better. For example, at some point take two identical plants and put one in something less porous and compare how they each do for you. Be sure and soak the mix 24-48 hours before you use it. mike

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I don't grow in bark mixes, but I make a lot of recommendations to other people in the society I started up here in Prescott, so I bought a bag to check it out. My bag looks like good stuff. When you buy any bark for orchids, preferably fir bark, check a few chunks of the bark by squeezing the bark between you fingers thru the bag. Good bark should be very hard. Occasionally a manufacturer will use really bad bark that is half rotten. When squeezed, the bark will feel a little spongy, and give a little between your fingers. This is to be avoided at all cost. The only nursery in Phoenix that carries orchid bark in large bags (2 to 4 cu ft), got a shipment in like this, and the entire orchid community in Phoenix was asking friends visiting California to bring back bags of bark for them for a year or two until enough unsuspecting orchids growers used up that foul stuff. Gublers makes good bark too. Cynthia

[atcrosby]

I have used it but as Cynthia says you need to test the bark since some of the stuff on the shelf has been there quite a while. Also, before you use the bark, you'll want to soak it overnight in a light fertilizer/Superthrive mix to let it absorb water. MY experience is that new bark will dry out way too quickly which Phals don't like (of course, they don't like it too wet either!). This goes for any time you use bark with orchids.

Also, don't forget the skewer method to test moisture since the bark will probably behave differently than the other stuff you're using. If it's a young Phal, use medium or fine bark.

[Marcia_pa]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I don't want to rot the roots, which is what I'm afraid will continue to happen by using the sphagnum alone. Any thoughts about mixing the Schultz with some sphagnum moss? Or is that asking for trouble?

I'll get some skewers in them for help with moisture testing, too
Thanks.
Marcia

[atcrosby]

LIke everything I have discovered in the Orchid world, "It depends!". If you're in a dry environment then perhaps sphag is something to consider but if you dote on your orchids like most of us do, it's just easier (and safer) to monitor the pot weight.

As you get used to the weight of a wet pot versus a dry one, you'll discover the skewer method is not longer needed. It's something you learn by doing so it'll be wise initially to do both the skewer and weigh the pot. Initially, I thought everyone was crazy but it's become second nature to me.

I also use clear pots allowing me to see the moisture in the pot. The good thing about Phals is they are forgiving and they will give you signals. A happy Phal will grow new leaves while an unhappy one doesn't. Also, watch the root growth if you're using a clear pot.

The wisest thing I can tell you is that the orchid is a very tough plant and it'll take a lot of neglect to kill it. Just observe and learn. This forum is excellent to ask questions because people always are ready to jump in and help.