> I have been reading with much interest the different bark mixes used for
> paphs and phrags in the new Tropical Slipper Orchids book by Koopowitz. The
> mixes seem to use many different materials to keep the bark mix open, such as
> lava rock, perlite, charcoal and aliflor. It got me wondering what the
> difference is between spongerock and perlite. What are the different
> characteristics of aliflor, lava rock, diatomite to make one more desireable
> in a mix than the other?>
I thought spongerock was the same as rockwool, collected salts easily and held
(too much) moisture.
I recall diatomite was used just like any other rock (aliflor, lava rock) in
various mixes. The fact it holds some water wasn't necessarily the point. The
point was the weight of the rock in the pot. YMMV.
> Every year I transplant my paphs and phrags and prepare the mix a little
> differently hoping that I might finally find the one that they really like
> and grow bigger and better. Obviously I'm still working on it. I also thought
> it was very interesting that most of the bark mixes mentioned used fine bark.
> I've always gravitated towards medium, which could account for my lack of
> success with some of my paphs. I grow everyone in a small greenhouse. The
> temperature by the benches ranges from 60 to 64 degrees and, living in
> western NY, there are not very many sunny days. For me, overwatering has
> always been a problem, which is why I try for a more open bark mix.> > Any
> thoughts?> Thanks,> Barbara Fuhrmann
Tonkins orchids used to repot annually (if not more frequently) in straight
fine bark. Nothing else added. Other OGDers can chime in on Orchd Zone's mix,
which I think is equal parts lava rock, perlite and some sort of moisture
retaining medium, I've heard peat and I've heard coir (ground coconut husks).
But I really don't know for sure (and I noticed Koopowitz doesn't say, either).
I think paphs like frequent repotting. I'm too lazy to give it to them.
Read his comments on getting the insigne alliance to bloom. Maybe its your
temperatures? (just a guess.)
K Barrett
N Calif, USA
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