Newb starter kit, thought I'd share...

[JTLaw]

So as a starter kit for my 3 new phals. Two 3"ers and one 4"er. This is what I'm thinking. **I can't post links yet, too newb.

I was going to order -
A multi set of slotted plastics from repotme.com.

And for mix, a mini-bag of - from repotme.com
Cattleya-Multi-Purpose-Orchid-Mix. Seems like a great all around mix with good drainage but hopefully won't have to water too often (once a week at most).
Consists of:
Medium Coconut Husk Chips
Medium Sponge Rock
Medium Charcoal
Granite Chips

Other than that I just have to find a hand full of packing peanuts somewhere???


I think if I have left over mix I might need some more orchids!

[BGGraham1]

You can get packing peanuts from ordering more orchids! Ba ha ha ha ha ha

...and the mix sounds good - like a combination of all the good stuff. But the most important thing is to find something that works for you and your conditions. For example, I have found that sphagnum moss and I don't get along, but the coco husk chips are pretty doggone awesome. Great drainage, doesn't break down as fast as the bark, and has been pretty forgiving for me and my overwatering ways.

Good luck with your orchid growing, and can't wait to see some pics!

[bearded orchid]

Sounds like you have it pretty well planned out. Question: do you have your Phals already and if so are they thick-rooted or finer-rooted? Some Phals have pencil-sized roots while others have a more finger-sized ones. If they are real chunkers you might consider a mix of medium and large-grade coconut husk chunks from repotme. They make a great mix for thick roots.

However, I have the Catt mix at home too and it is pretty nice too. Either way, you seek a lot more prepared than I was when i first started Good luck and I look forward to hearing about and seeing your results.

[JTLaw]

**BGG - Love the joke. The sphag moss sounds like a pain. That's what they're in now, I bought them a week ago and have yet to water them, the most is still cool and damp on top. But they are still in the plastic wrap container which could have something to do with it. But I too live in SoCal.

**bearded - you saw my orchids a couple days ago on the post "My first 3 orchids".
The roots are pencil sized. How often do you water on average in that mix just out of curiosity?

Sphag might seem like a pain but I like not having to worry to water.

[bearded orchid]

Haha, yeah I realized this after I posted. For some reason I thought it was someone else's thread. I thought it sounded awfully familiar

Anyways, that mix usually holds up about 5-7 days before I have to water again. Though it varies on temps and pot size/type. Since yours are inside, temp won't be such a factor. Just give them a good soaking and wait until the medium just below the surface is just slightly damp before watering again.

If you want, you can also use some bamboo grilling skewers as water meters. Just stick them down into the mix as close to the roots as you can without skewering one and then just pull it out to see how wet it is periodically. If it's wet or damp don't water. If it's almost dry, time for a drink!

[-k-]

Originally Posted by JTLaw

Sphag might seem like a pain but I like not having to worry to water.

Sphagnum can be a terrific media type imo, just take careful note of when to water, I can go 2wks easy w/o a good soaking with some of my indoor phals potted up in sphagnum. Skewer method works great for these as well, the top layers will dry out first but the middle stays nice and moist. . .