Hi everyone, I bought my first orchids last week and am on a learning curve. I'm pretty sure that all three plants are Phaleanopsis orchids. I was watering this morning and noticed that one of the plants appears to be presently inside a kind of ... maybe peatmossy material. The other two have a wood-chippy substrate (which Google searchs seem to confirm is appropriate). The plant seems fine, but ... is that peat moss an appropriate substrate? Is that normal? (?) Thanks for the info. --Tracy
The moss is most likely unmilled peat moss, yes. It is used because it is cheaper for the greenhouse to produce.. Your plant will die if left in it for too long. No need to panic though. The comercially available orchid mix (in the bag at the plant/garden store) is usually quite good. When you get a chance, pick up a bag and remove the orchid from the moss. Until then don't water very much. The moss holds WAY too much water and if you water too often the roots will rot off.
