An especially useful tip from Fang will help avoid problems associated with Pythium , a natural fungus that can grow in pipes . He suggests allowing your water to run first to rid the pipes of this potential problem . If you have hard water , it ’ s imperative to make sure the moss is halfway dry before watering to avoid buildup of mineral salts in the medium .
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POTTING
There are several qualities of New Zealand sphagnum moss available , and the moss is produced in Chile , New Zealand and Yunnan , China . Fang prefers the New Zealand long-fiber moss , which has a pH of 4.0 – 4.5 ; Pythium and fungi don ’ t tend to grow under such a low pH . For a small collection , he suggests purchasing and using fresh moss in smaller rather than larger bales . Better quality moss will remain good for up to 24 months and with the addition of charcoal or bamboo charcoal it can last up to three years .
Pretreat only the amount of moss you intend to use right away . It can either be steam-sterilized , which will kill all weed pathogens , or soaked overnight , which is more easily achieved by the average grower .
It ’ s always a good idea to wear rubber gloves when working with New Zealand moss . Soak the moss overnight with 1 teaspoon of Physan 20 per gallon of water ( 5 m – l mL per 3.8 L ). Soaking will break the surface tension of the moss and the Physan 20 is biodegradable . Squeeze the moss out by hand and then fluff it to expand the fibers . Alternatively , if you don ’ t want to squeeze the moss , it can be dried in the sun . When potting , the resulting moss should be damp , not wet .
At several nurseries in Taiwan , the plants are usually shifted from their current pot to one that is only ½ – 1 inch ( 1.25 – 2.5 cm ) larger . Pack a small amount of fresh moss into the bottom of the new container . Remove the plant from its old pot , leaving that moss ball intact if the moss is still viable . Then wrap fresh moss around the root ball , and firmly push it into the new pot so the top of the root ball is 1 inch ( 2.5 cm ) below the pot rim . Soften any rigid aerial roots by watering them first before tucking them into the new pot .
It ’ s important to leave no air spaces in the root area , so don ’ t be afraid to pack the moss tight . Although we may think that plants with their roots packed this tight would receive no aeration , this theory
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1 . A profusion of flowering phalaenopsis growing in sphagnum moss in a greenhouse in Montclair , California .
2 . Norman Fang with flowering plants of Phalaenopsis White Dream ‘ V3 ’ ( Morning Moon × Joseph Hampton ). It is the most popular white Phalaenopsis he grows for several reasons : long-lasting flowers , multiple spikes and smog tolerance . 3 . When repotting , leave at least a 1-inch ( 2.5-cm ) space for watering . 4 . A Phalaenopsis newly repotted in sphagnum moss is usually left alone for two weeks before being watered .
5 . Among the novelty Phalaenopsis that do best when grown in sphagnum moss is Phalaenopsis I-Hsin Spot Eagle ‘ Montclair , AM / AOS ( Ta-Lin Spot × Black Eagle ), which is extremely fragrant .
6 . A comparison of Phalaenopsis in 3-inch ( 7.5-cm ) pots : The one on the left with dark moss does not need to be watered , whereas the plant on the right with lighter moss does need watering .
7 . A group of multispiked Doritaenopsis Sogo Vivien ‘ Marginata ’, JC / AOS ( Sogo Alice × Phal . Zuma ’ s Pixie ). Unlike some other variegated Phalaenopsis , this clone does not require extra shading .
Phalaenopsis | First Quarter | Volume 23 | 2013
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