Quote:
Originally Posted by Becky15349
Pure Sphagnum moss holds usually too much water for most orchids to be planted in without very vigilant care. I never, ever recommend people to plant in pure moss because it just doesn't dry out well, even with fans blowing and wind, whatever. Another way to think of it: Do orchids have anything even remotely resembling moss hanging on their roots in nature? You bet not!! I would steer clear of all moss in your mix until you master watering - it'll mean the difference between life and death for your orchids  PM me if you want more help! ~Becky |
I apologize in advance if I appear overly critical. It's not my intention, but I know I have a habit of coming across that way.
No offense, but I have to balance this rather biased opinion. True, many people do not like pure sphagnum, and those who do are almost certainly in the minority. However, if you know how to handle it, which is not necessarily a reflection of your skill level, then sphagnum is an excellent medium. I started out growing in pure sphagnum and it is still my favorite medium. I must point out, though, that I grow primarily moisture-loving plants like Phalaenopsis and am now moving into Masdevallias.
You have to go with what your experience has told you, and it's best to allow others to discover for themselves what works best for them, too.
NOT setting them against something before they even try it just because it didn't work for you.
BTW, have you taken a look at orchids in nature? They grow in all kinds of conditions. Sure, epiphytes don't have sphagnum moss growing on their roots, as sphagnum is a terrestrial or sub-aquatic moss, but they often have moss and other debri tangled among their roots. The nutrients from the decomposing debris is part of their food.
Case and point: (note moss-covered trunks and roots growing through the moss!)
Orchids in the trees pictures from central america photos on webshots
http://swampythings.files.wordpress....up-orchid1.jpg
In this last one, pay particularly close attention to the second picture down after the map. That material is not all live roots! There's moss, dead roots, and other debri trapped in those roots! Yes, many of the pictures on this site show exposed roots. However, that's no different from the wayward roots escaping the pots that we get in cultivation.
Examples of travel services in Peru from Trek Peru
Oh, and Ted mentioned a really important tip too!!