Growing Phalaenopsis orchids differs between the north and the south: how to choose between sphagnum moss and bark

Everyone says Phalaenopsis orchids are delicate and hard to grow? Actually, they can be grown well anywhere! But growing them in the north versus the south - the north-south difference is truly not just a little bit! - It's like asking someone from the Northeast to adapt to Hainan's humid heat, or asking someone from Guangdong to get used to the north's dry cold; Phalaenopsis orchids also have to do as the locals do.

- the environments are far too different! The south is humid all year round, and air humidity easily stays above60%30%

What northern growers struggle with most: should you use sphagnum moss or bark? Let's not rush to choose yet; first understand these two potting media.Sphagnum moss has very strong water retention; after soaking up water it slowly releases moisture, and it can also wrap around the aerial roots of Phalaenopsis, making the roots less likely to dry out. But the drawback is also obvious: if watering is not controlled well, the moss stays stuffy in the pot with no air circulation, and the roots rot easily. However, for the north, the water retention of sphagnum moss just happens to make up for the dry air - especially when the heating is on in winter, sphagnum moss can keep the humidity in the potting medium for longer, so you do not need to water every day. When using it, remember to choose clean dried sphagnum moss, soak it, squeeze out the excess water, but do not wring it too dry and do not let it drip; wrap it around the roots and put it into a transparent pot. This way you can also observe the condition of the roots and discover root rot in time.

Then what about bark? Bark has good air permeability and large gaps, and after watering the excess water quickly flows away, so roots are not easily suffocated. But the drawback is poor water retention. The northern air is dry, and moisture in the bark evaporates especially quickly; possibly just two days after watering, the potting medium has dried out completely, and the roots of the Phalaenopsis easily go"thirsty," and the leaves will wilt along with it. If you want to use sphagnum moss, you have to observe frequently, water promptly when you find the surface of the potting medium is dry, and also often spray water around the flowerpot to raise air humidity; otherwise, no matter how breathable the bark is, it is useless if the roots have no water to drink.

Actually, when growing Phalaenopsis in the north, whether to choose sphagnum moss or bark also depends on your usual care habits. If you always forget to water, or often travel for work, choosing sphagnum moss is definitely right; its water retention is strong, and even if you occasionally forget to water, the Phalaenopsis will not immediately wilt; if you love watering and always worry the plant is dry, then choose bark; its air permeability is good, and even if you water a bit too much, root rot is not likely. In addition, no matter which potting medium you choose, you must use a transparent flowerpot; the roots of Phalaenopsis also need a bit of light, and a transparent pot also lets you see in time whether the roots have any problems, which is much more practical than an opaque flowerpot.

When growing orchids in the north, do not just agonize over the potting medium; humidity and temperature also have to keep up. In a heated room in winter, do not put the Phalaenopsis next to the radiator; keep it farther away, put a humidifier beside it, or place a tray filled with water, and both can raise humidity; in summer, do not let direct sunlight hit it; just put it in a place with diffused light. As long as you accurately grasp the differences between northern and southern environments and choose the right potting medium, the north can also grow Phalaenopsis that blooms every year, not one bit worse than the south!