Question
Hi Jim!

    Sheryl from Hollywood, FL here again:-) Hope all is well with you! I have a question....I'd like to repot some of my phals, after they finish blooming, cause they are severely root bound and don't look very happy. I'd like to hang them sideways,(they're in slat baskets) instead of right side up, so the plant hangs down like it would in nature. My question is what kind of potting media would you recommend for this? I'm a little concerned about using sphagnum moss as it compacts with time. Or maybe use regular mix with a cover of moss to keep the mix...and plant from falling out? Any advice is ALWAYS appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you!
Sheryl

Answer
Hi Sheryl,

Welcome back!  

Yes, it is possible and probably a good idea to put it into a slat basket there in Florida and leaning it sideways would help prevent or minimize fungal rots due to your frequent rains.  

Unless you are able to water it daily, putting a little bark and moss in the basket would be a good idea.  You don't have to put a lot in there, just enough to slightly cover the roots.  Over time, the roots will grow through the slats and hang down, be sure to mist those roots daily or at least every 2 days or so to keep them from drying out.  

Hope this helped.  

At my age, any day I wake up is a good day!  Not waking up is not good for me!  (grin)  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.