Forest moss, dendrobium, paph.,bulbo, psychopsis (nb: 21 pics…)

[Helene]

This thread is about potting in forest moss, and what I think about it. What works for me, might not work for you. But the idea behind repotting, and seeing how the plant reacts goes for all plants and media. We need to try to give each plant an environment to thrive in, depending on how our growing environment are.

Mostly have dendrobiums in this, but started to put more plants in it this year. Not my phalaenopsis, though- only those with thinner roots. Sometimes I use moss alone, sometimes mix it with other things. Depending on the pot, and the plant.

I had tried the moss from the flower-shop, but that wasnt any good. In a desperate moment I decided to try forest moss- those used for terrarium. I was a bit skeptical at first. Issues with moss: dry at the top- really wet at bottom, wet in the middle, getting compact and wet in an annoying way, hard to get moist when its dried all up, etc.etc.
And this moss seemed very wet at first, and a bit odd in the texture when touching it- stiffer maybe (but still soft). And it looks kinda ugly after a short time, that made me even more skeptical.
But: I love it. Somehow the upper layer is more like a lid- both keeping it moist underneath, and making sure everything stays in place without compacting. Its airy, easy to water. I can soak it, or I can water from the top- everything just stays the same. It dries very even- and its behaving in a way I really appreciate, so I dont mind the ugly look. Plants? Well, lets see:

NoId Dendrobium.
Repotted in forest moss and a bit of bark one year ago. Top two pictures shows the plant last year. (Potted in this after being in bark, all dried up- I kinda grew phals then, and didnt know better.)
Bottom two shows the plant this year, and the moss is still airy and nice. Plant is having buds this year, so I assume it likes the new media. First time in years. Also: kept outside for a month, guess that helped aswell. Media gave it more water and nutrition, compared to bark.


Needs a repot in the spring, roots happily growing in the moss.



I forgot to turn the plant, so the flowers are gonna be on the "wrong" side.

1.august


Today




Bought this in april, because I liked the flowers. Repotted, but new growth didnt grow in that direction. And I didnt like the mix afterall- pot very airy, sometimes I leave it a pot to prevent drying too quickly. Forest moss, bark on top.

Plant in april


Flowers


Repotting again in august, removing old roots, making sure new growth has space.




Dendrobium Stratiotes
Bought in april, and repotted. Discovered it actually was two plants. Decided to repot them in two pots, in forest moss.

When I got it in april, and after repotting.


In august. Seems to be doing fine, and moss is still airy- picture taken after soaking the pot.







I have more plants in forest moss, here are some of them- and how this summer has been.
Many plants doesnt like repotting, but there is one thing they like even less than repotting: being in a bad mix. I always repot if I'm not sure about the old media.
Sometimes I repot again, if the plant is not responding well, or show signs of not liking it. (After its done sulking, that is- some are really fussy. Bulbos tend to shrivel a bit, and protest for a while before getting happy again)

Psychopsis Mariposa 'GV'. Bark and forest moss in layers. Bought and repotted in april. Flowered two times. (Two flowers in one spike the last time). Growing a new spike, and a new growth.
Old mix, in new mix- besides- only one spike in all those bulbs. This plant can do better.

Repotted and trimmed the roots in april.


Flowers in July


Plant in august



Bulbophyllum rufinum
Bought and repotted in forest moss in april


Plant in august (you can see how ugly the moss is, I often cover it with bark or gravel. Some might like it, I think it looks really old. But its not- still doing the job)



Paphiopedilum maudiae vinicolor 'schwarze madonna'
Bought and repotted in forest moss (with bark, stones, leca) in april.


After repotting


Today? Beautiful like a black swan. I'm waiting for this beauty to unfold.


Nutrition depends on the plant. Watering depends on the plant, the pot, and the mix.
For now this is something that works very well for me and my plants. For phalaenopsis I use bark- and I'm not planning on changing that anytime soon. They are happy in bark.

Not sure how long it lasts- but I plan on repotting the first next year, and then the moss is atleast two years.


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