Suitable Mulching material

[Paph_Person]

So as the title says, what would be a suitable Mulching material for my potting mix consisting of leca + pumice + pine bark. I find the top dries out rather quickly. I don't want the new roots to die due to the dry top. What material other than sphagnum moss would be ideal in this case?

 

[gonewild]

Sphagnum moss is the number one choice.

 

[big923cattleya]

I have never “top dressed” any orchid pot. In my experience it messes with the normal wet dry cycle of orchid culture.
If my plants dry out too fast, I a. Water more often or b. I increase humidity c. Or if an orchid needs more water I put it into a finer mix.
Conversely if the plants dry out to slowly I decrease water frequency or I increase air movement.
If you pot it correctly and use the appropriate media, there should be no need to top dress. I know florists do it because the orchids that they sell might look “prettier.” I don’t want prettier, I want healthier.

If an orchid stays to wet, try growing it mounted.

 

[big923cattleya]

Oops, i
Kind of misread that title. You asked about mulching material. I have never heard it called mulching material. I call it “media.”
View attachment 49979
The above image shows my media of choice. Perlite, charcoal, fine bark, seedling bark, Leca.
Sorry.

 

[Paphluvr]

The inclusion of the Rotelle pasta is an interesting choice!

 

[gonewild]

Mulch is a layer of material covering the soil/media surface. Its not the same as the primary main media.
It's extremely useful to create a humid surface for new roots from Paphs and Phrags growing in coarse media.

 

[gonewild]

Is there a reason you wanted to exclude sphagnum moss?
I've never found a mulch that worked better.


The moss mulch does not interfere with airflow through the open leva media. But it stays moist enough to encourage and support new lateral root growth.