How to mix potting soil for Phalaenopsis orchids? Bark or sphagnum moss for faster growth

Growing flowers and plants inevitably runs into the problem of compaction, especially with the "outstandingly beautiful" Phalaenopsis orchid, because its roots are more sensitive than those of ordinary flowers. If the soil medium has problems, the plant's leaves, flower buds, and roots will all stall. Therefore, it is recommended to check the roots after 2 years of growing, and the best scenario is to repot once.

The main purpose of repotting, besides moving many roots into a larger pot or small roots into a smaller pot, is to learn to mix your own "nutrient soil." How do you mix it properly? The most common combination is bark plus sphagnum moss, and some people just use bark granules on their own.

First, let's talk about bark granules. Their core function is to give the potting soil more breathing space. They are especially suitable when the roots are few and still relatively weak; adding plenty of bark granules can fill more than 70 percent of the cup, so the sparse roots have something to hold onto. At the same time, because the gaps between the granules are large, excess water drains away quickly after watering, and the roots will not be smothered in soggy soil. How do you choose good bark? It is best if it does not prick your hand when you touch it. Before use, it is best to sift out the debris and use only 1-2 cm large granules. And never use unrotted raw bark, because it tends to ferment in the pot, and then burning the roots becomes a real hassle.

Next is sphagnum moss. It is the medium most used by flower growers, and its advantage is that it absorbs water extremely well and can hold moisture tightly, especially for transport over long distances, so there is no need to worry about the medium drying out. Sphagnum moss also does not smother roots the way ordinary soil does, making it suitable for Phalaenopsis orchids with relatively robust roots. Each time before use, first soak the dry sphagnum moss until soft, squeeze out the excess water until no water drips when you clench it in your hand, then gently wrap the roots and place them in the flower pot. This way the roots can stay in a moist environment without sitting in water. However, when choosing sphagnum moss, choose salt-free moss. Some low-quality sphagnum moss on the market has a high salt content, which can dehydrate the roots. When buying, it is best to first soak a small piece in water and taste a bit (a small amount is fine); only use it if it is not salty.

For home medium mixing, there is actually no fixed formula; the key is to be "flexible." For example, if the balcony has very good ventilation and a lot of wind, add more sphagnum moss; if your home has poor ventilation, such as an enclosed balcony, then add more bark granules and less sphagnum moss, to avoid the potting soil becoming stuffy and wet.