TheNaturePlanet

Sphagnum moss, the main cultivation medium for Phalaenopsis, plays a vital role in water retention and air permeability. However, it cannot be used indefinitely. Timely judgment of the replacement time is the key to ensuring the healthy growth of Phalaenopsis.
Judgment based on the state of sphagnum moss: Under normal conditions, high - quality sphagnum moss is soft, elastic, and usually light yellow or light green in color. However, as time passes, the sphagnum moss gradually ages. When its color turns dark brown or even black, and it becomes soft, rotten, and loses its elasticity, crumbling into small pieces with a gentle touch, it indicates that it has lost its original good air permeability and water - retaining capacity and can no longer provide a suitable growth environment for the roots of Phalaenopsis. At this time, the sphagnum moss should be replaced in a timely manner. In addition, if a large amount of moss grows on the surface of the sphagnum moss, it means that the sphagnum moss has been in a wet and poorly - ventilated state for a long time. This will not only affect the root respiration but also may breed bacteria, so it also needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Judgment based on the growth of roots: The roots of Phalaenopsis are an important "barometer" of its growth and health. The healthy roots of Phalaenopsis are white or light green, plump, shiny, and the root tips are slightly transparent. When you lift a part of the sphagnum moss and observe that the color of the roots has turned dark brown or black, and there is even a phenomenon of rot and odor, it indicates that the roots have been damaged by the poor sphagnum moss environment. The sphagnum moss must be replaced immediately, and the rotten roots should be trimmed and disinfected to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, if the roots grow too vigorously and a large number of roots protrude from the bottom or side of the flowerpot and coil into a ball, it means that the original space of the sphagnum moss can no longer meet the growth needs of the roots. At this time, it is also necessary to replace the flowerpot with a larger one and add new sphagnum moss to provide sufficient growth space for the roots.
Judgment based on daily maintenance phenomena: During the daily watering process, if you find that water is difficult to penetrate into the sphagnum moss, the surface of the sphagnum moss quickly accumulates water after watering, or the sphagnum moss remains wet for a long time and is difficult to dry, it indicates that the structure of the sphagnum moss has been damaged, and its air permeability and drainage have become worse, and it can no longer regulate water normally. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the sphagnum moss with a new one. In addition, if the Phalaenopsis shows slow growth, yellowing leaves, smaller flowers, or difficulty in flowering, after excluding other factors such as light and fertilization, it is likely that there is a problem with the sphagnum moss, which affects the plant's absorption of nutrients and water. In this case, you should also consider replacing the sphagnum moss.
Special situations requiring sphagnum moss replacement: In addition to the above - mentioned situations related to natural aging and growth, when Phalaenopsis is attacked by diseases and pests, especially root diseases such as root rot and stem rot, in order to prevent the bacteria from remaining and spreading in the sphagnum moss, even if the appearance of the sphagnum moss is still good, it is necessary to replace it with new sphagnum moss and thoroughly disinfect the plant and the flowerpot. In addition, when you buy a new Phalaenopsis and bring it home, because there may be differences between the cultivation environment of the merchant and the home environment, and the quality and service life of the original sphagnum moss are uncertain, in order to ensure that the plant can grow in a suitable environment, it is recommended to replace the sphagnum moss and readjust the cultivation medium after a period of maintenance.
To judge whether Phalaenopsis needs to have its sphagnum moss replaced, it is necessary to comprehensively observe various factors such as the state of the sphagnum moss, the growth of the roots, daily maintenance phenomena, and special situations. Timely replacement of the sphagnum moss can create a good growth environment for Phalaenopsis, making its flowers more beautiful and its flowering period longer.