The growing materials required for the orchids are very diverse from the other plants such as vegetables or trees. Rather than organic composts or soils, orchid plants require a suitable blend of aerating materials as well as water retaining materials. Ratio of both the material depends upon the kind of orchid that is grown. Undue moisture, usually settles around the pockets of the orchid potting mix, owing to this there is quick decomposition of the compost. The arising of this situation results in rotting of the roots of orchids and also, the leaves of the plant turns yellow. An amateur orchid grower will conceive that owing to less watering the plant has refuted to this condition. Perhaps, then the grower will over water the plant and thereby, further harm the roots and ultimately destroy the plant.
Organic Orchid Potting Mix:
The orchids usually grow, if a blend of organic as well as inorganic fibers is used in combination. These Orchid potting Mix are easily available in any local nursery, they are very simple to use and not so expensive. Alternatively, an orchid grower can also create his own mix involving a whole range of materials. Every mix accompanies with itself a whole lot of benefits that can be virtually experimented in order to gain the experience. Majority of the materials that are employed for Orchid Potting Mix is fine, coarse ranks and medium. Below mentioned are the organic alternatives of the Orchid potting mix:
- Fir Bark: These are very easy to obtain, cheap, comparatively slow with respect to decomposition. However, finds difficulty in retaining the water at the outset.
- Coconut Husks: These are amid the first kind of fibers ever employed for the orchids. They are economical, accommodates water reasonably well and lightweight. However, they get decayed quiet rapidly as compared to fir bark.
- Redwood Bark: They retain water in a better manner than the Fir bark as well they decay at a slow pace.
- Tree Fern Fiber: They are perfect Orchid Potting Mix owing to their ability to do proper drainage. They are slow in decomposing but are very rarely available.
Inorganic Orchid Potting Mix:
Below mentioned are the alternatives with respect to inorganic materials:
- Lava Rock: They have a very good drainage capability and do not crumple. However, they are heavier potting mix.
- Charcoal: The Potting mix made up of Charcoal are slow in decaying. They assimilate the toxic matters.
- Vermiculite: They are good in retaining water, which results in enhanced level of aeration to the orchid plant.
- Pearlite: This mix assimilates water, has high resistance to decay, is light and is used together with supplementary inorganic material. If this Orchid Potting mix is used solely, then it will result in admitting excessive water.
With the help of the above ingredients, an orchid grower can make customized orchid potting mix for a specific orchid.
– Jason Hobbs
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