P. Fritz Schomburg

[Shiva]

The potting mix keeps the plant too dry. You should pot your phrags in sphagnum moss with a good measure of large perlite. Other than that, it's normal for plants to lose some vigor after importation as they have to adapt to your condition. But the wrinkling of the leaves is a sure sign of dehydratation. Remember though that sphagnum moss requires the plants to be repotted at the first sign of degradation of the moss. Another important factor if you want to use bark is to leave it soaking in wter for 12 to 24 hours before use. Otherwise, it won't really get wet when you water.

 

[NYEric]

Too dry. Put some dolomite or sphagnum in the mix.

 

[Linus_Cello]

Can you grow these like other phrags, in water with wet feet?

 

[newbud]

Thanks Shiva and all. What would be a sign that sphagnum moss is breaking down? And what about a wardian chamber?

 

[NYEric]

It dies and turns brown and slimy!

 

[newbud]

I use sphag on the tops of some of my plants and it turns dark brown on the tips but it's not slimy. What up?

 

[NYEric]

I found live sphagnum to be better for top dressing and mixes than the dried out stuff. A photo would help; but if you are using the dried stuff and not overfertilizing it should be fine for many months.