How I water Neofinetia falcata orchid in sphagnum moss
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Since I received many concerned comments on the video in which I repotted the Neofinetia orchid in the Kokedama style of potting, due to the way I used sphagnum moss, here is a video in which I explain how I water this orchid.
To better understand how each of us needs to water an orchid potted this way, I find it very useful to know more about sphagnum moss. The most common things you will hear about moss is that it’s water retentive and it kills roots. However, this doesn’t happen if used correctly. Here is a video in which I explain more about how an orchid is more comfortable in sphagnum moss https://youtu.be/RcCqd3FEWpA
This media is not only water retentive but absorbent. Whatever water it has it evenly distributes it throughout its mass, as shown in the little experiment in the video. If the bottom layer is wet, the upper layers will absorb that moisture and in the end the result will be an even distribution. This can be soggy wet or just moist, depends on the amount of water found in the bottom layer. This works the other way around as well.
For this reason, I just dunk the plant halfway in a tray of water for a few seconds, pull it out and that’s it. The water in the pot will be evenly distributed. No need for ventilation holes since this pot is small and the moss is quite airy and fluffy. Putting all of these details together, along with the unique shape of the Kokedama which favors evaporation, you will get some great results and no rotten roots.
