Phalaenopsis - Should I remove the Moss?

[Mary Morton]

Some Phalaenopsis have moss of one kind of the other on top when purchased some do not. (1) Should I remove the moss? (2) Also, how often should I repot a Phalaenopsis? To date I have nine Phalaenopsis. Most are NOID's purchased at either Lowe's, Home Depot, or Evergreen. (3) It there a way I can identify them?

[dennis]

moss is considered the best media for phals unfortunatly it is also the easiest to create root rot in if you are not carefull about your watering. i grow all of mine in s/h and they are doing great and no repotting problems when it is needed, and it is impossible to over water. as far as identifying your plants it is virtually impossible to id them as there are so many clones and hybrids out there that one could look just like another

[mayres]

Mary - I agree with dennis on the impossibility of identifying your plants. I have quite a few NOID's myself - you can still enjoy them immensely. I repot my phals as soon as they are done flowering if purchased in bloom. The main reason is I like to use my own media choice for all my phals. I also want to inspect all the roots and clean them up. Usually plants purchased at the type stores you mentioned are in poor to very poor shape (root-wise) unless you get them the day they arrive. Once they are cleaned up and repotted I know that any problems going forward are of my own doing and not someone elses problems. How often you repot depends upon what media is being used. Sphag moss needs to be replaced yearly and other medias can go 2-3 years. As dennis noted, unless you are experienced with moss the tendency most newbies have with it is to overwater and cause root rot. Many vendors tend to pack it into the pots too tightly causing problems too - so some who like to use it will just repot immediately and loosen up the media to allow for some air movement. Good luck! mike

[smartie2000]

It is so true about packing moss too tightly for phals...I don't understand why they do that!

[Ross]

Actually the moss on the tops of the pots is only there for decoration and to hold in the potting medium for shipping. I always remove it from my purchases.

[Mary Morton]

Thanks for the responese. You confirmed what I thought. What do you think is the best medium for Phalaenopsis? I am thinking of trying semi-hydro. What kind of medium do you use and where can it be purchased?

[Mary Morton]

Exactly what do you mean by cleaning up the roots?

[Lin]

You need to trim any dead/rotting roots when you repot.

[cheryl]

HI, I too have raised in both mediums, moss and bark. You do have to be careful not to overwater. Cleaning up the roots is to take all the mix around them, inspect to be sure there is not any symptoms of root rot, cut off dry dead roots. I am now doing some in the S/H primeagra and they are doing very well. I have noticed some crystalline buildup but I have flushed with distilled water. They are fine. One thing I have noticed is that the roots just dive for the bottom of those pots.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Mary Morton

Some Phalaenopsis have moss of one kind of the other on top when purchased some do not. (1) Should I remove the moss? (2) Also, how often should I repot a Phalaenopsis? To date I have nine Phalaenopsis. Most are NOID's purchased at either Lowe's, Home Depot, or Evergreen. (3) It there a way I can identify them?

Hi Mary,
Like you, I purchased a Phal from H/D with no tag. A few weeks later as I was inspecting the roots (it's potted in a 'clear' pot) I noticed a name printed around the top edge of the pot! Doesn't do much for tracking down the parentage but does give you something to call it rather than NOID. LOL