Question
 Hey Jim:
Thanks for your response.I was wondering if you had a mix
that you've had any great reasults with, for repotting phalys (my pet word) that renders results above the norm, or
is it still pretty much the standard mix that you use?
I think I used small Uni-Grow Fir bark last time. For instance,every once in a while someone comes up with some-
thing dfferent that they've tried and got exellent results.
Do you ever mix spagnum or tree fern in with your bark?
       Just fishin' for tips. Thanks Jim,
                                        ~Michael  

Answer
Hi Michael,

Going orchid mix fishing, are you?  Well, I've got quite a fish story for you!!!  (LOL)  

There have been many, many different materials used to pot orchids with, all will varying degrees of success.  The main criteria for any orchid potting material is whether it is suitable for the conditions in which the orchids are growing.  With that said, here is a list of some materials:  

Osmunda fiber, pine bark, redwood bark, fir bark, coconut coir (finely ground coconut husks), coconut husk chips of various sizes, sphagnum moss, New Zealand sphagnum moss, Chilean sphagnum moss, horse manure, finely chopped car tires, gravel, small volcanic rock (red is better than black), clean beach sand, dirt, oak leaf litter, pine needles, vermiculite, perlite, charcoal, and the list goes on.  Then there are some people who use no pot or media but mount the orchids on a slab of wood, bark, a stick or nothing at all but hung from a wire.  

Hope all of this hasn't confused you!  As for what I use, I primarily use fine to large size fir bark chips, the size depends upon the thickness of the orchids roots.  The larger or fatter the roots, the larger the bark size.  I also mix in about 15% to 20% large size perlite which is volcanic rock that has been heated to a high temperature.  I've tried quite a few different potting materials over the years but find I end up going back to bark, mainly because I am the most familiar and comfortable with it.  

One last thing.  Depending upon the material and its ability to retain or not retain water will govern how often you will need to water.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.