Any experience with SPONGE?...

[Ron-NY]

That is why I think synthetic would be a better option. It should not break down readily and could be left attached to the roots when repotting.

Next time you are at the vendor, find out if he created this or if it is common practice in elsewhere and what his source of the sponge is...I'd be interested in knowing...thanks. I have found mediums to vary greatly around the world. While in Peru, the commercial grower that I visited did not use bark mix. Partially due to the non accessibility of it in his country.

[mohi]

This is one pic of my first phal... You can see the white thing coming out... After removing an old leaf I had a burst of new roots...

Ron-NY, You are right... synthetic sponge is flexible and allows the roots to grow... And about killing all those Spongebobs and leaving Patrick stars sad... I'm with synthetic sponge too!... I'll ask about the medium they use...
I think we have the same problem here... Fir (Abies spp.) is not listed in our national flora!... and tree ferns?... No way... Iran is mainly deserts!...

[Ron-NY]

I assumed as much for I have seen pics of your country. I had patients years ago that were students from Iran. They were doing their graduate degree here at RPI. That was back in the days of the Shah...

I wish I had gotten the recipe from her for the dish she made for me...it was a delicious Persian rice dish, had Sultanas in it...mmmm it was great!