In minor defense of sphagnum moss, I think it is the density with which it is packed that causes the problem. Any of the plants that I have received in sphagnum have been extremely tightly packed leaving no room for air when water is added. I could use the material from one of these pottings to fill 6 to 8 pots of the same size if I were doing the job. I have had plants live for years in sphagnum moss by just laying the moss in loosely and not packing it down. The poor old roots have to breathe.

Thanks, Ken. I think that it depends on your watering habits so it's out for me. But for a once a week waterer, it is not death. You are an seasoned grower and that's why you can figure out how to use it best.

I think the problem is that many people don't know how packed it should be for their conditions and watering. It's just so risky with so little wiggle room and such dire consequences if it isn't right.....Really not fair to a newbie to figure out how to use it, etc. And almost all phals are sold this way in a box store or super market with no instructions etc. No wonder few people attempt orchids. Don't get me started.... :grumbling:

Nice healthy phals, Albert!!!

I water every day as well, even the few I have in sphagnum, and if anyone can drown a plant it's me. As long as you just lay it in the pot loosely and DON"T push it in tight with your finger or other instrument I think they will be fine.

Another problem that might occur is the sphagnum may retain more fertilizer and there is more likelyhood of fertilizer burn to roots after very few bouts of fertilizer.

I am quickly learning not to like sphagnum moss. It does not work well for me, either!