Is pure pine bark or sphagnum moss better for Phalaenopsis? Replenish nutrients this way

It is well known that the flowers of Phalaenopsis are especially beautiful, shaped just like dancing butterflies, and the flower colors are diverse. Many people regard it as the "white moonlight" in their hearts. Therefore, quite a few people place it in the most conspicuous spot indoors to elevate the style of their home.

However, when it comes to actually growing Phalaenopsis, quite a few troubles come up. Take the question of which potting medium is better for growing them, for example. Some flower enthusiasts say sphagnum moss, while others say pine bark. But from the day of purchase, the flower shop owner had already prepared pine bark for it. In this case, does it need to be changed? What is the point of mixing pine bark into an orchid pot?

Before answering the question, the editor first gives this flower enthusiast a thumbs-up, because their questions are really so detailed. To grow orchids well, besides daily watering and fertilizing, their medium is equally important. So, is pine bark suitable? Does it need to be changed? My answer here is that it does not need to be changed, because depending on regional differences, the flower shop owner doing this certainly has a reason. And looking deeper into it, pine bark, also called pine bark chips, generally contains nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer; especially the bark from old trees, once decomposed, can provide nutrients to the flowers. At the same time, it also contains substances that inhibit bacteria and insects, so the plants and flowers grown in it are less prone to pests and diseases.

So, what role does pine bark play when mixed into the bottom of a Phalaenopsis pot? First, it is a common natural organic material, and it has the air permeability and water retention that orchids need. Therefore, as long as it is added appropriately, it is beneficial to the plant's root system.

However, it is not suitable for flower enthusiasts everywhere. For example, in southern regions, where the surrounding environment is generally relatively humid, it is recommended to use more sphagnum moss and less bark, because once there is excessive moisture, it will easily clog the absorption of the sphagnum moss, which in turn causes poor ventilation and small white insects to appear in the bark. If the area you live in is relatively dry, such as the north, then it is recommended to increase the amount of bark and use less sphagnum moss, so as to achieve the effect of raising the humidity in the soil.

In addition, if you plan to buy pine bark, when purchasing you should look for some fresh ones and must not buy bark with mycelium on it, because once this kind of fungus forms, it usually cannot be completely removed. Otherwise, in subsequent use, yellow stuff will always stick to the flower pot cup, which will make people feel rather disgusted.