Orchids Growing Tips
Orchids don’t thrive in containers or pots. It’s too thick and does not drain properly enough. The majority of orchids thrive on the ground, with the medium is there to give the roots something that they could hold on to. The variety of orchid potting materials create confusion.
But, you can make your own orchid mix by learning about your orchid’s requirements.
Brick and Cobblestone
Brick chunks can add strength and stability to pots of heavy orchids. Since brick chunks are heavy, it is recommended to select smaller chunks. It is water-retentive and may increase the humidity of orchids.
Cobblestone is also a good choice as a base for the bottom of the orchid pot. Cobblestone is small and uneven, and it assists top-heavy orchids, like dendrobiums remain straight. However, it doesn’t store water, which means you’ll require to improve drainage characteristics of your orchids.
Coconut Coir and Husk Chips
Coconut Coir, which is the fibrous middle of the coconut is a great option to use on its own or as a part of an individual mix. Coconut chips made from husks are a renewable resource. They can slow in the course of decomposition of chips that allows for the best circulation of air for orchid roots.
Cork
Cork is a water-tight substance that anyone who’s opened a vintage bottle of wine recognizes. For the ideal orchid mix, combine cork that sheds water with water-absorbing Sphagnum moss or even shredded bark. Cork chips that are larger provide plenty of locations that orchid roots can explore.
Pumice
Pumice is well-known because of its ability to polish rough skin. But, this volcanic rock can also be utilized as an inorganic substrate to grow orchids. The rock is very porous, and holds up to 50 percent of its weight water. It’s also light and won’t burden your plant.
Rock Wool
The term Rock Wool, which is also referred to as Rockwool, is a softer fibre that is made of basalt and chalk. It is available in reputable garden stores or on the internet. The greatest benefit of rock wool is that it’s unable to degrade in orchid mixing. However, it is necessary to regulate rock wool’s alkalinity organic components like peat or bark.
Bark shredded
Shredded bark comes from trees, such as cedar, cypress and fir. It is the most commonly used material in pots for orchids, particularly in flower shops and nurseries for novices.
When it’s broken into pieces, the bark acidifies the orchid mix. Also, it is loved for its delicious smell along with its beautiful appearance. Orchids planted in bark mediums might require the repotting of every year.
Styrofoam
Styrofoam is a great medium for orchids that require to flourish in dry conditions. Styrofoam peanuts can be a great option to plant orchids. It is also possible to be reused to make a common packing material. Aerolite is a particular Styrofoam product designed for epiphytic plants like orchids.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a common ingredient sold by garden stores that can be found in a range of soil-building additives for potting. Vermiculite can also be found in ready-made potting soil mixes. It looks like tiny pieces of gravel.
The light brown mineral is excellent at retaining water and nutrients. Vermiculite is also a good choice to help aerate the potter’s mix. Vermiculite is a great ingredient to mix with sphagnum moss in order to create an easy, moist orchid mix.
