Rocks in the Pot

[Arizona Jeanie]

I have a new little phal that I fell for, that was planted in packed moss. I repotted it into orchid bark, but couldn't get it to stay put, it kept falling over, and floated up out of the pot when I tried to soak it. So I repotted again, but used some small granite river rocks down in the pot to hold it in place, then filled in with the bark. It's now stabilized but I think there are more rocks than bark. Now I'm starting to wonder if that's ok--any advice? Do orchids grow in rocks? Thanks!

[jkofferdahl]

Some orchids are, in fact, lithophytes. Phals aren't, but that's not a huge issue in a pot. It will probably be OK. In what condition were the roots if you couldn't stabilize the plant with the bark? Did you just dribble the bark in or did you tamp it?

There are other ways to stabilize a Phal in a new pot. Some use pot clips as anchors, while others (me) use wooden stakes. With the plant centered, use a light twine to the stakes to secure the plant.

[fishmom]

One member of my orchid society grows everything in (on) rock. Granted, he grows mainly catts, laelia, and dens, but his point is that if the plant gets enough water, rocks will do just as well as bark. We have someone who grows on wine corks in this group, don't we? I think it should be fine as long as you monitor moisture.

[Optimist]

As you may know already, Phals do perfectly well mounted (no medium) if you can supply adequate moisture to the roots. Putting orchids in pots is just a convention, it is not the way they grow naturally. Many of those who grow as lithophytes are just as happy hanging out in trees, it just depends on where the wind has spread their seeds.

[ilikeorchids]

It's ok as long as you keep up with the watering. Rocks provide ventilation to the roots yes, but doesn't hold water, which makes your set up semi hydroponic. Still, you have bark media so i think it can retain some moisture, but like what you said, you have more rocks, then i guess keeping up with the orchid's watering needs is all you need to do

[Subrosa]

I know someone who keeps Phals in clear vases full of decorative pebbles. To water he just fills the vase, lets it sit a few minutes and then pours off the excess water. When the roots turn from green to white he repeats the process. This works very well for him.

[Arizona Jeanie]

Thanks for all the replies! The roots looked healthy but short, the leaves look great. I "dribbled" the bark in, didn't pack it tight, I'm thinking I want it to drain well and let the air circulate, but retain some moisture because the humidity here is really low. It's in a small plastic basket inside an air-core clear pot for now. It's been in the rocks for about two weeks, I'm watering a little more often than the others get, and from what I can see, it looks fine. We'll see how it holds up, hopefully will grow lots more long healthy roots.

[fishmom]

I'd be giving it a shot of kelp mix or other root stimulant at this point.

[Arizona Jeanie]

I've been using Kelp Max monthly for about a year now, and I'm very happy with the results! Thanks for the reply, I agree completely!