There are two surefire ways to kill an orchid and novice orchid growers are probably doing both to their poor beauties as we speak. First is overwatering, then, to put the nail in the coffin, these well-intentioned newbies do not use the proper orchid potting material or potting mix; they use potting soil. It’s an easy mistake to make. Those lightweight pieces of bark or moss in the orchid pot look like temporary potting material, and plants need dirt and water to grow, right?
Wrong! Orchids don’t grow in dirt. They grow on rocks and trees. They have spongey roots that soak up moisture and nutrients from anything they can – rainwater, decomposing leaves and even animal droppings. The best way to make your orchids happy is to simulate their natural environment as best you can, and that starts with using the best potting mix for orchids.
So, what is it, you ask? Generally, orchids do best in the following potting materials, either individually or a mix of two to three organic and inorganic materials. The most popular choices are:
· Fir bark – inexpensive and easy to find, fir bark decomposes slowly but does not have great water retention properties.
· Coconut husk – inexpensive and lightweight, it holds water well but can decompose quickly.
· Redwood bark – inexpensive and lightweight, it holds water well and decomposes slowly.
· Sphagnum Moss – has a good mix of water retention and aeration as long as it’s not packed too tightly.
· Tree fern fiber – this can be difficult to find, but has very good drainage and slow decomposition.
· Perlite – While this is lightweight, it can hold too much water if used alone.
· Lava rock – Good drainage and no decomposition, but can be too heavy to use alone.
· Charcoal – While charcoal is slow to decay, it absorbs toxic substances.
Since the orchid needs the proper mix of potting material to hold some moisture while aerating, experts tend to use just the right ratio of organic and inorganic potting mixtures from the substances above. The exact ratio usually depends on the type of orchid.
If you’re a beginner to the wonderful world of orchids, you’re probably starting with a Moss Orchid or Phalaenopsis, which likes fir bark. But using a general orchid potting mixture, which can be found already made up and bagged at most nurseries and big box stores, is just fine for the more common types of orchids.
When choosing a potting mixture for orchids, make sure you know exactly what type of orchid you have to help you best choose the potting material. Buying orchids from a nursery or experienced grower is the best way to ensure you have a healthy, properly identified orchid which, in turn, helps you give it the best care and growing environment possible.
There are two surefire ways to kill an orchid and novice orchid growers are probably doing both to their poor beauties as we speak. First is over-watering, then, to put the nail in the coffin, these well-intentioned newbies do not use the proper orchid potting material or potting mix; they use potting soil. It’s an easy mistake to make. Those lightweight pieces of bark or moss in the orchid pot look like temporary potting material, and plants need dirt and water to grow, right?
Wrong! Orchids don’t grow in dirt. They grow on rocks and trees. They have spongey roots that soak up moisture and nutrients from anything they can – rainwater, decomposing leaves and even animal droppings. The best way to make your orchids happy is to simulate their natural environment as best you can, and that starts with using the best potting mix for orchids.
So, what is it, you ask? Generally, orchids do best in the following potting materials, either individually or a mix of two to three organic and inorganic materials. The most popular choices are:
- Fir bark – inexpensive and easy to find, fir bark decomposes slowly but does not have great water retention properties.
- Coconut husk – inexpensive and lightweight, it holds water well but can decompose quickly.
- Redwood bark – inexpensive and lightweight, it holds water well and decomposes slowly.
- Sphagnum Moss – has a good mix of water retention and aeration as long as it’s not packed too tightly.
- Tree fern fiber – this can be difficult to find, but has very good drainage and slow decomposition.
- Perlite – While this is lightweight, it can hold too much water if used alone.
- Lava rock – Good drainage and no decomposition, but can be too heavy to use alone.
- Charcoal – While charcoal is slow to decay, it absorbs toxic substances.
Since the orchid needs the proper mix of potting material to hold some moisture while aerating, experts tend to use just the right ratio of organic and inorganic potting mixtures from the substances above. The exact ratio usually depends on the type of orchid.
If you’re a beginner to the wonderful world of orchids, you’re probably starting with a Moss Orchid or Phalaenopsis, which likes fir bark. But using a general orchid potting mixture, which can be found already made up and bagged at most nurseries and big box stores, is just fine for the more common types of orchids.
When choosing a potting mixture for orchids, make sure you know exactly what type of orchid you have to help you best choose the potting material. Buying orchids from a nursery or experienced grower is the best way to ensure you have a healthy, properly identified orchid which, in turn, helps you give it the best care and growing environment possible.
The most complete guide to orchid care that we have found is Orchid Care Expert: A Practical Guide to Orchid Care. The guide is perfect for both beginners and those that have been growing orchids for years.
