Here
is just an example of Part 11a of the 12 Part mini
course on “Insider’s Secrets on Growing and Caring for
Orchids Like a Pro”.
Perfect
Orchid Potting Medium
The
composition of the perfect orchid medium is the
subject of considerable debate among orchid growers. Of course, there
is no one
potting medium that is suitable for all orchids, and to some extent the
chosen
medium should reflect the needs of the grower as well as those of the
orchid.
Just as
terrestrial or epiphytic (tree dwelling)
orchids have different needs, so do the retired orchid grower with a
purpose-built orchid house and the orchid lover who has to go away on
weeklong
business trips.
You should
never use a general purpose potting mixture
for your orchids, but if you do not have the time to mix your own, you
can buy
a wide variety of ready-mixed orchid growing mediums from general and
specialist retailers.
In all cases,
orchid growing mediums must have some
common characteristics:
- Retain water
- Retain
nutrients
- Retain heat
- Lightweight
and permeable
- Secure and
supportive
- Quick draining
- Slightly
acidic
Some of these
characteristics of course appear to be
contradictory – and they are, which is what makes the
construction of the
perfect orchid medium a lifelong challenge for some orchid growers!
The component
parts of orchid potting mediums today
fall into five categories, some of which may be used by themselves,
others
being combined in an infinite number of recipes for different orchids.
Barks
Fir bark is
the most common orchid potting medium, and
is a popular base component for orchid growing mixtures. The grade
(size) of
bark in the mix you use should be tailored to the size – or more
exactly the
root size – of the orchid in question.
When bark
decomposes and compacts, it holds less air
and the orchid roots will rot if not repotted.
Fibers
Tree fern
fiber is the next most common orchid potting
medium. It is more decay-resistant than bark but is also more
expensive.
Osmunda fiber
is another good fiber for potting
orchids, but is also expensive. Mixing fibers and bark can provide a
good
compromise of performance and cost.
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