Hi Richard
to the Idiorchids crew
I live in a very dry place (Reno, NV) where the humidity often drops to 0% (no not kidding) and the temps in my greenhouse get to 110. I am planting more and more of my orchids in straight moss just to keep them damp.
I think the problem with the growers is that they pack the moss too tight. When we plant in bark, the rule is that the bark is packed tight enough that you can pick the plant up by the leaves and it won't fall out of the pot. So my thought is: watch the roots (I am assuming they are in pot liners you can see through) as all the roots the Phals have are on the outside of the moss. There are no roots in the middle - they just can't break through. Water when you can't feel dampness in the bottom hole (stick your finger in) and then water by soaking, not sprinkling.
When you do decide to repot, unless its in a 2" pot, put it back into the pot it came out of. The whole idea with orchid pots is to hold some moisture against the roots. They are epiphytes - they attach themselves to trees and let their roots hang out in the breeze.
That's why I say that the nurseries are packing the moss too tight. Loosen up the moss, soak until the moss is wet and think carefully about the move to bark.
Daisy
