This is a simple fool proof (it worked for me so.....
) rescue vehicle I made that allows maximum drying and aeration while staying just damp enough. I was never much for sphagnum moss but reading old AOS Orchid magazines changed my mind. Sphagnum moss (the long fiber NZ) can be a good media if you understand how to use it. Obviously phals grow very well in it provided adequate aeration and watering are followed. Phals fail when we get them home because of a major change in their growing conditions. We give them inadequate aeration and water them way too much. Change the density of the moss in the pot and moss changes from nemesis to ally. I used sphagnum moss here on two damaged cattleyas which wouldn't grow any other way.
They were on their way to the trash heap
when they started screaming
for one more chance. I made this wire basket and put each in as I placed wet sphag around the base of each. The old obviously damaged pbulb had a small bud on it but no roots when I put it in the basket. It has grow two inches since being in there. There were no roots or even bumps where roots would grow. All the growth has taken place with just what the damaged pbulb has stored up. The other one is C. Red Glen "Eureka". This one was detached by accident (I am the worlds biggest clutch
) I let it dry then put it in small bark and sponge rock. Nothing. Same with added moss. Nothing. Sponge rock alone. Nothing. Placed here two weeks ago and this is what it looks like. You have to want to experiment and you have to have the room. I rescue because I have to. Hard to explain but it's a kick to rescue and succeed. These are a couple years from blooming so you have to have the stamina. But I like to show others how to do it. Thanks for reading this.
Easy rescue vehicle I made and what is growing when all else failed.
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