Question
I just repotted a small phalinopsis into small bark . When I removed the plant from the old pot, I found it had been in sphagnum moss which seems to have retained the moisture . The roots were very healthy. The bark  was soaked overnight, but I wonder if I should water daily for a while to ease its transition and if there is anything else I should do?

Also, I would like to pot a keiki from a dendrobium (kind unknown). Is the small fir bark ok for that? The parent plant is about 20" tall, and the new roots are about 1/2"  long. Thank you!

Answer
Nancy, repotting into just small bark could create problems.  I recommend that you create a potting mix by adding some ingredients to the small bark that will "open up" the potting mix to allow more air to get to the roots.  This can be done with one or more of the following ingredients: charcoal, perlite, tree fern, clay pellets, osmunda,or lava rock.  Try to use particle sixes that are about the same size as the small bark. This mix should replace the straight small bark you are using. Then, soak the mix thoroughly before use.  With this mix, you should only need to water once per week and the presoaked mix will provide an adequate transition from the moist environment of the sphagnum.

Same recommendation for the dendrobium Keiki.  The latter like to be tightly potted.  I prefer a clay pot that is just large enough for the roots and secure the plant tightly in the pot using rhizome clips, bamboo satkes, or both.