Perlite for orchids how to use. Which substrate for orchids to choose: ready-made or do-it-yourself? Is it possible to use ordinary soil

Growing orchids at home has a number of features. In order for the flower to please with abundant and long flowering, it will be necessary to provide it with the proper conditions. This applies not only to the optimal temperature regime and watering. It is very important to choose the right substrate for orchids so that the plant grows actively and fills the buds.

When choosing the optimal solution, it is not always possible to trust ready-made formulations. Often it is optimal to make a substrate with your own hands. Many manufacturers sin by filling the mixture with soil dust or peat. It is quite possible to avoid the use of low-quality raw materials. Creating a substrate for orchids with your own hands is a fairly feasible task. The finished solution must fully meet the requirements of the culture.

What does this mean? If the room where the plant is kept is dry enough, then the best solution would be to use a composition with high moisture content.

In any case, the composition of the substrate for orchids should be based on:

riding peat;
pine bark;
moss-sphagnum.

Rules for compiling the substrate

There are other profitable options for filling pots with orchids at home. A good additive for such a mixture is charcoal. But when using such a component, it should be borne in mind that its share of the total mass should not be more than 5%. The thing is that such a tool has not only positive, but also negative properties. Over time, coal can accumulate salts. In the future, this will adversely affect the acidity and alkalinity of the entire composition.

Principles of self-preparation of soil

When preparing a substrate for growing orchids, one should not forget about other useful components. It is not mandatory to use only natural ingredients.

Artificial additions such as:

Styrofoam;
expanded clay;
synthetic fibers;
expanded polystyrene;
perlite.

Version for epiphytes

It is believed that the best substrate for orchids is selected individually. It all depends on the type of culture. If epiphytes are grown, which are placed in rooms where a sufficiently high level of humidity is set, or in greenhouses, then it is worth preparing a substrate based on pine bark. As an impurity to it, you need to take any moisture-intensive component. It can be artificial or natural material. The main thing is that the particle size reaches about 2 cm.

Option for greenhouses

A slightly different substrate is prepared for orchids that are grown in greenhouses with a fairly high percentage of humidity.

Such plants require drying of the soil between watering procedures. In this case, you can use not only pine bark as a basis. Suitable birch, oak or larch. The particle size in this case, as in the previous situation, should be about 2 cm.

Composition for open orchids

And what kind of substrate is needed for an orchid with an open content? In this case, it is recommended to make a mixture, the moisture capacity of which can be adjusted.

It is optimal to use for growing such plants:

fern roots;
charcoal;
pine bark;
sphagnum or other moss;
riding peat;
foam balls.

The optimal parameters of the particles in this case vary from 0.5 to 2 cm. It should be remembered that the larger the elements of the mixture, the higher the aeration of the composition.

Bark selection requirements

The preparation of such a product has a number of features, but the condition of the bark deserves close attention. After purchasing or collecting it, it is recommended to boil it for 55-60 minutes in order to remove harmful resins from its composition. Now the question arises: how to dry the substrate of an orchid in order to start using it. Experts suggest sending bark fractions to the oven. Until the component is completely dry, you need to immerse it in the oven and hold it at a temperature level of 90-100 degrees.

Information about coco

Many flower growers are interested in whether it is possible to plant an orchid in a coconut substrate or is it unacceptable? Coir fiber, as this remedy is correctly called, is an excellent analogue of moss. This component does not need to be disassembled into fibers. It's easy enough to crush it. It is optimal to use the constituent element of briquettes - it is more convenient and profitable. It is optimal to give preference to a variety of fine fraction.

But it should be borne in mind that the coconut substrate for orchids cannot act as an independent solution. It is used exclusively as an additive. The thing is that an excessively fine fraction makes the soil too water-intensive. Coconut coir with cut pieces can be considered the only exception. Such a component can be used both as a good additive and as an independent substrate.

Ready substrates for orchids

Of course, a self-prepared composition can be many times more useful for a plant than finished products. But some of them deserve close attention. They allow flower growers to greatly facilitate the cultivation of the plant. If orchids are transplanted into a substrate of such a plan, then the duration of the procedure is significantly reduced.

Substratum Ambulance and Aurica Gardens

Composition from the company Ambulance is one of the most common solutions. Not all flower growers recommend using this product. According to the reviews of many plant lovers, the ambulance orchid substrate, which is declared by the manufacturer as nutritious, is almost a death for the culture. The thing is that there is very little bark in the composition. The base is represented by peat and sawdust of unknown origin. Just one watering, and the soil turns into an incomprehensible mass that can harm the root system of the plant.

The composition of Aurika Gardens for orchids is close in quality to the previous version. In this ready-made solution, the content of the bark is also too scanty. The basis is biohumus, which is not particularly useful for a flower in such a volume.

Substrate Effect Bio

If a ready-made composition is chosen, then it is optimal to give preference to a more balanced product. Quality is the substrate for orchids Effectbio, which lasts a long time. According to the reviews of experienced flower growers, this soil allows you not to replant the plant for about 2-3 years. The basis of the composition is the bark of the Angora pine, obtained from Siberia. This component was pre-washed and processed according to all the rules. It is competently dried and only then added to the substrate, which is completely ready for use.

Quality substrate for orchids Effect Bio is a completely natural product. It is recommended for growing adults and large varieties. This is a good solution for those varieties that are demanding on high air permeability of the soil.

A little about other varieties

When growing such flowers, it should be borne in mind that each variety may have its own requirements for the quality and composition of the soil. That is why many are interested in what kind of substrate is needed for the Dendrobium Nobile orchid so that it grows actively and blooms for a long period. For this plant, you can use a store-bought product. It is important that it be sanitized before use.

A universal solution is the nutrient substrate for orchids, which is suitable for all representatives of this group of flowering crops.

Thanks to the use of such a soil, you can avoid the main problems in growing a plant and achieve long-term flowering from it.

Substratum Royal Mix

If the flower belongs to the category of epiphytic crops, then the substrate for the Royal Mix orchid will be the best solution. This is a finished product that is at least 85% organic. The mix is based on heat-treated and calibrated pine bark. Also in this mixture are charcoal and high-moor peat, which is characterized by a large fraction. The product also includes river sand, coconut fiber and chips, agroperlite. The hygroscopic and aeration characteristics of such soil are optimal. Air easily penetrates the root system.

Growing a crop without a substrate

It is equally important to consider that there is a place to grow orchids without a substrate, which is done by many gardeners quite successfully. This method is often called closed or "in glass", which some people replace with plastic without difficulty and risk to the life of the plant. Any orchid without a substrate can actively grow and give abundant flowering. It's all about proper care.

Some problems caused by poor quality soil

There are often many problems with choosing the wrong soil for a flower. So, sometimes a white coating appears on the orchid substrate, which resembles fluffy yarn. This is a fungus caused by wood decay processes. When the substrate is chosen incorrectly, or it sticks too tightly to the root system, a similar problem arises.

Shaggy mold on the substrate of an orchid can eventually pass to the flower itself, covering not only its roots, but also the stem. The ideal environment for the fungus is a high level of humidity. If the culture is watered too often, and the substrate does not have time to dry out, such a problem arises. It can significantly disrupt the full development of the flower or even provoke its death. You can save the plant if you transplant it, carefully removing all the affected areas and replacing the soil.

Orchids are amazingly beautiful flowers, but rather capricious in their care. They require certain conditions of detention. They also need a special soil, which can be purchased ready-made at a flower shop. But it is quite possible to prepare a substrate suitable for plants with your own hands, although this can turn out to be a somewhat troublesome task.

In maintenance and care, these flowers are fundamentally different from other indoor plants. Ordinary garden soil does not suit them. In such soil, they quickly die. Need special soil for orchids. You can make it yourself by preparing and mixing certain ingredients. But in order for the nutrient medium to optimally suit the plant, you need to know exactly which variety the orchid belongs to.

The composition of a suitable soil for orchids will depend on which of the two groups a particular plant belongs to:

flowers that grow on trees in nature - their aerial roots do not require a rich nutrient medium, but the soil must be loose and well-permeable to moisture;
orchids growing in the ground - although their root system is located in the soil, it is quite different in composition from the soil used to plant other indoor flowers.

In indoor floriculture, varieties of orchids from growing on trees are more common. The substrate for them can be taken purchased, already completely ready for planting, or partially changed depending on the needs of the flower. But to be sure of the safety of the soil for orchids, you can do it yourself.

What is in the substrate

The basis of the soil for these colors is:

Bark - Pine or oak bark is more commonly used. But it can also be taken from larch or aspen. The bark does not need to be cut from the tree, it should be easy to separate from the trunk, be dry and free of signs of mold. And it is better to remove it from a tree that has fallen at least a year ago.

Attention! Fresh bark for the substrate is not used, since any disease can be brought along with it.

Charcoal - it can be taken from a burnt birch, oak or beech trunk. And in order to be sure that there are no impurities that can be harmful to the plant, it is better to burn a suitable log yourself.
Moss - Sphagnum is best, you can buy it or bring it from the forest.
Expanded clay, pumice, pieces of foam - are used for drainage when planting orchids.

When compiling the soil for orchids, other parts are also used. Nut skins, coconut fibers, sunflower seed husks are added to the substrate - this is a good baking powder of organic origin. You can also add pieces of fern root by digging up a healthy and fairly large specimen of this plant in the summer.

And to protect the flower from the development of fungal diseases and to loosen the substrate, small pieces of minerals such as perlite or vermiculite are added.

When preparing the soil, sand (white river or coarse quartz), peat and leafy soil are also used, which can be prepared independently during the warm period. They are used for the substrate of certain orchid varieties. Fallen leaves are also not added for all species.

Advice. Fallen leaves are taken from trees such as oak, aspen, apple tree. And to protect the substrate from the appearance of mold, it is good to add peach leaves to it.

Ground Component Processing

All components of the substrate harvested in the forest or in the swamp must be properly processed before use. All components must be thoroughly rinsed in clean water and then dried. The bark and moss must also be boiled or calcined in the oven, then dried, and after a few days repeat this procedure.

Boiling water treatment is also desirable for other components. And many flower growers advise moss to be additionally treated with insecticides. After such treatments, bark, moss and everything else can be safely used to prepare soil for planting.

Soil preparation

The simplest soil recipe might be as little as 5 parts bark and 1 part charcoal. But it can not be called the best option for plants. It will be optimal for most orchids if the soil also includes moss (1 or 2 parts) and expanded clay or crushed pumice for drainage.

Orchid transplant

Other components can be used for the substrate depending on the needs of the flower, adding them to the soil if necessary. It is important that all parts are disinfected, dried well and thoroughly mixed. It is also necessary to disinfect the container for planting the plant.

An orchid cannot be called an ordinary indoor flower, because it requires a special approach when growing. The soil for it also needs to be prepared very carefully. And although such a procedure is somewhat troublesome, many flower growers always prefer to prepare the substrate on their own. For those who do this for the first time, it is better to first watch the entire preparation process step by step on a video or photo.

Substrate for orchids: video

Any hostess strives to create a cozy atmosphere in her house, originality and uniqueness of the interior. Sometimes it is enough to purchase a few beautiful plants, and the room will radically change. Phalaenopsis orchid during the flowering period always looks very impressive. Many do not think about the importance of choosing the soil for this plant and unknowingly use ordinary soil, which ultimately leads to the death of the plant. For abundant and long flowering orchids, you just need to choose the right soil.

A little about the flower

The phalaenopsis orchid is a type of epiphyte. Under natural conditions, the plant is forced to survive in the difficult conditions of the rainforest. Due to the dense canopy of the trees, the vegetation receives insufficient sunlight and experiences high levels of humidity. Orchids always strive for the sun, live almost without soil. Thanks to aerial roots, the flower has the ability to easily attach to the slopes of mountains or trees. The whole complex of nutrients the plant receives from the air and the "donor". The flower receives the right amount of moisture during the rainy season.

For growing at home, specialists have bred special varieties of orchids. Phalaenopsis flower leaves are located on a high peduncle and resemble beautiful butterfly wings. The range of colors of this type of orchid is very diverse:

white;
pink;
red;
yellow.

Orchids are considered difficult plants to grow, and beginner growers are often disappointed by the death of a flower. Phalaenopsis is considered one of the most unpretentious types of hybrids, and for beautiful abundant flowering, you just need to responsibly approach the issue of soil selection.

How to choose soil

Today, in some flower shops you can see beautifully flowering orchids without soil. This option is suitable if the goal is to temporarily decorate the room with a flowering plant for a short time. After a certain time, the flower will have to be thrown away, since the land for any kind of orchid must be very nutritious. It is also worth knowing that ordinary land for orchids is not suitable. If the plans are to grow a flower for long and repeated flowering, then the first thing to do is to purchase good soil for an orchid.

Soil is needed for planting and transplanting the plant into a new pot. It is worth thinking about changing the soil in a pot in the following situations:

insects appeared in the pot;
rotting of orchid roots is observed;
soil defects are visually visible, the formation of a tribe and lumps is observed.

Experienced flower growers call the soil for plants a substrate. Buying orchid substrate from the store is the easiest way. It is worth paying attention to a number of significant points, taking into account which it is necessary to choose the right type of soil. These nuances include:

features of external conditions;
the flowering period of the variety;
flower size;
pot volume.

The finished substrate for orchids is in most cases produced and sold in five-liter plastic bags. The most popular today is the Ambulance and Flower Happiness substrate, each of which can be used for any type of orchid.

A less expensive way is to make the soil at home with your own hands, since with a large amount of planting, the purchase of a ready-made substrate will require significant financial costs. When making soil with your own hands at home, you can endlessly experiment with the mixture. Abundant flowering is the main sign that the plant liked the soil and it receives the right amount of nutrients.

There are rules regarding the presence of mandatory components in the composition of the soil for orchids and compliance with their proportions. Most orchid soils contain the following elements:

A special role among all components belongs to vermiculite, which has a layered structure. This mineral is very useful for a flower, it is he who is responsible for sufficient looseness and airiness of the soil, protects the roots from drying out and mold. Thanks to vermiculite, orchid roots develop evenly and the plant does not experience significant temperature changes, since the mineral retains heat perfectly.

Where to find soil ingredients

With self-production of soil at home, the question will inevitably arise of where to get the necessary components. All the required components can be found in the nearest park or forest. At the same time, there is no need to spend money, and there are practically no restrictions on the volume of extracted material. Collecting the required amount of materials for the manufacture of soil will not be difficult and will not take much time.

Foliage and pine bark are essential components of any orchid substrate. If the bark does not peel off or you have to make an effort, then you should look for another tree. It is recommended to collect dry bark from fallen trees or stumps without dust, but such material can also be taken from healthy growing pines with signs of peeling of the bark. Only dry pine bark is subject to collection, since when wet bark is introduced into the soil, its pathogens can be simultaneously introduced. The bark of healthy trees is inferior to stumps and dead trees, as it contains an increased level of moisture and resins.

In the warm season in the forest, you can always easily find moss and dig up the roots of a fern. When collecting moss, you should pay attention to the marsh species, which usually grows in abundance in the lowlands. When making soil with your own hands at home, you can add a small amount of dry foliage, which, after decomposition, becomes an excellent source of food for orchids. For collection, it is recommended to collect leaves of certain types of trees:

oak;
beech;
aspens;
birch.

Charcoal is easy to find in places popular with campers and tourists for making fires. Coal has no restrictions on the shelf life, so it can be harvested for future use. It is recommended to store it in a dark dry place.

Expanded clay is recommended to be added to the soil for phalaenopsis. In fact, it is a building material in the form of sand and gravel. Expanded clay is used as a drainage, so it is recommended to take small gravel for the soil. Brick, polystyrene, polystyrene is well suited as a drainage material.

All components must be sanitized and disinfected before the production of the substrate.

Recipes for making with soil

For the manufacture of soil for Phalaenopsis orchids, you can use all of the listed components. It will be enough to include the required components and correctly observe the proportions. The most popular are the following compositions:

When mixing coal and tree bark in proportions of 1: 5, a soil is obtained that has good moisture capacity and air circulation. This substrate is ideal for flower pots and growing orchids in a greenhouse.
Charcoal, moss and pine chips are mixed in a ratio of 1:2:5 to grow Phalaenopsis orchids in small pots and baskets.
As a supplement a mixture of bark, peat in equal proportions with three parts of hardwood is well suited to the substrate.

Do-it-yourself soil at home should not have a dense structure, so when planting a plant, the soil does not need to be tamped.

Before you start mixing the main components, you need to prepare all the ingredients. Preparation of components consists in performing a sequence of actions:

The bark has the property of gradual accumulation of moisture, which over time can negatively affect the root system of the Phalaenopsis orchid. To prevent the occurrence of root rot, it is recommended to lay out large pieces of bark in the center of the planting container. For good air circulation, it is recommended to grind the orchid bark with your own hands until the pieces are at least 2 cm in size.

The peat used should have a good coarse fiber structure and should not contain elevated salt levels. Do not grind the peat too finely. The use of charcoal helps to increase the pH of the soil, which has a positive effect on the growth of orchids.

How to lay the ground

Spring is the best time to plant Phalaenopsis orchids. It is during this period that the flowering of the plant ends, and the period of active growth begins. When planting a plant, the following soil manipulations must be performed:

The soil is poured into the pot to the neck of the plant. It is impossible to sprinkle the neck of an orchid with a substrate, otherwise the plant will begin to rot. When planting an orchid, do not immediately water the plant. It is recommended to water the flower only after 6 days after planting, but after planting the orchid, you can spray the leaves and flower stalks with water.

Important Rules

Failure to comply with a number of essential rules is guaranteed to lead to the death of your favorite plant. It is worth listening to the following tips:

when planting an orchid in the ground, you need to pay attention to whether the flower sits well enough in a pot, the trunk is held straight and the plant does not hang out;
root rot is the first sign of improper watering and insufficient air circulation, so it is worth making a decision to replace the soil and reconsider the irrigation regime;
if after watering within 3 days the soil does not dry out, it is recommended to change the irrigation regime and revise the composition of the soil;
worth considering age characteristics of plants, since adult orchids require less watering, and young flowers are more demanding on moisture;
Orchids don't tolerate well. the soil of a dense structure, so do not tamp it down;
compacted substrate it is not recommended to loosen, it is better to transplant the flower into a new soil.

It is no longer a secret that impenetrable, tropical forests are considered the birthplace of orchids. As a place of residence, they choose the trunks of large trees. Clinging to the bumps and protrusions of tree trunks with aerial roots, they extract nutrients and moisture. This specificity of the plant should be taken into account when choosing the soil.

An optimally selected substrate is the key to plant health. Do not use ordinary soil as soil for exotics. After all, the root system, accustomed to light, should be freely blown by air, participate in the process of photosynthesis. And the heavy earth will be a kind of press for the roots. In such conditions, it is quite difficult for an exotic flower to grow. Uncomfortable growing conditions can lead to significant orchid problems and diseases.

Beginning orchid growers exclusively purchase ready-made orchid substrate from garden stores. But experienced gardeners who have been breeding flowers for more than one year believe that it is better to prepare the soil yourself. Especially since hand-made substrate has a number of advantages:

low cost;
proven quality of components;
simple execution;
individual selection of components corresponding to the grade;
drawing up the required proportions.

You can read more about what is better, a ready-made substrate or self-prepared, as well as the composition of the soil.

shop substrate

The market for orchid soil mixes is overflowing with offers from various manufacturers. However, even patented brands offer bright, attractive packaging with poor product quality.

Important! Most ready-made substrates contain a large amount of peat and soil dust, and the bark is catastrophically small. This ratio of components negatively affects the growth and flowering of the plant.

You can find out more about popular orchid soil manufacturers.

The general criteria for choosing a soil mixture for indoor orchids are the same. The soil must have the following qualities:

breathability;
looseness;
ease;
lack of toxic properties;
have good drainage properties;
optimum acidity.

In addition, the substrate is updated every three years, so it must be enriched with mineral trace elements. The integral components of the soil mixture for exotic plants are pine bark, wood ash, fern roots. It is this composition of natural materials that is considered the basis for the preparation of the substrate.

Also additional components are added to the main ingredients, no less important, among them:

Inorganic substances:

expanded clay granules;
perlite;
vermiculite;
polystyrene;
mineral wool;
foam rubber;
gravel.

These materials are used as

Consider how to prepare the soil with your own hands. Organic ingredients for the soil mixture are easy to find in nature.. At the same time, you don’t need to go far, everything is around us.

Pine bark. This is the main component that is easy to find in a pine forest, on fallen trees. It is better to take bark with a minimum resin content. Definitely dry. The bark of birch, spruce, oak is also suitable.
Moss-sphagnum. They are also collected in the forests, in the spring, after the snow has completely melted. In the lowlands, where melt water stagnates, moss appears. It has bactericidal, moisture-absorbing properties. Used fresh and dry.
fern roots, which contain many useful substances and trace elements. Grow in woodland.
Charcoal it is easy to find on the ashes or burn small logs of any tree species at the stake. This component acts as an antiseptic and sorbent.
Cones and earth. In coniferous forests, it is easy to find fallen, dry cones. Their scales are used to prepare the substrate, they can replace pine bark. Fertile soil is extracted only under a layer of needles.
Foliage and leafy soil. Sometimes dry foliage is added to the substrate for some varieties of orchids. The leaves create a unique microflora in the pot, thereby protecting the plant from disease and mold. They, along with the earth, can be found in deciduous forests.

Not all components from the above list can be found in the natural environment. Artificial materials should be purchased in specialized stores.

How to replace natural ingredients?

The basis of the substrate for orchids is materials of organic origin. But if necessary, they can be partially replaced with artificial ones.

replace with river sand, sheet soil, foam fragments.
Moss - polystyrene, foam rubber, hydrogel.
Instead of ash, add crushed activated carbon.
Use perlite, gravel, brick chips, crushed stone, perlite, cork materials as a drainage layer and baking powder.

Reference! Representatives of orchids that are grown at home are divided into two groups: epiphytic and terrestrial. They differ not only in name, appearance, but also in the environment of growth.

Accordingly, the substrate for plants has a number of differences.

Epiphytic orchids include varieties:

For such plants, the soil is important mainly for maintaining an upright position, and then for nutrition and obtaining life-giving moisture. Hence, epiphytes do not need land, enough. Mix options:

1 part charcoal and 5 parts bark.
5 parts pine bark, 2 parts moss, 1/2 wood ash, 1/2 dry leaves.
2 parts sphagnum moss, 1 part ash and 5 parts bark chips.
3 parts bark, 3 parts cork, 1 part peat, 1 part moss, 1 part ash.

Ground orchids: cymbidium and paphiopedilum, which require increased nutrition. The following soil components such as pine bark, wood ash, moss, peat are suitable for them. Mix recipes:

1 part each of peat, pine bark, moss, expanded clay, ash.
2 parts of leafy earth and humus, 2 parts of fern roots, 1 part of peat and white river sand.
1 part of dry leaves, moss, sand, 2 parts of fern roots, 3 parts of leafy soil.
3 parts of leafy soil, 1 part of pine bark, peat, moss.

Basic rules for blanks

In order to save the family budget flower growers collect ingredients for the substrate and make stocks for the future:

Moisture-intensive component - sphagnum moss grows in swampy areas. Used in dry and wet conditions. It is recommended to dry the moss in partial shade, package in separate bags and store in a dark place. When wet, the moss is stored in the freezer, in individual packages.
Coals from the fire should be collected, washed thoroughly and crushed to 3-4 cm. Powdered charcoal is used to disinfect plant sections. It is recommended to store in plastic bags in a cool place.
Pine bark must be dry, but not rotten. It is best to take the bark from a tree that has been cut down for no more than 1 year. Chop with a pruner to a size of 3-4 cm.
The fern is dug up in the spring before the formation of foliage or in late autumn, when the leaves have already dried up. The roots are well dried, cut into pieces. The material is stored in a dark place, in a sealed package.

Important! All ingredients collected in the forest for the future mixture must be sanitized. Cones, wood ash are poured with boiling water, and then soaked in cool water. Fresh, pine bark is advised to warm up in the oven at a minimum temperature of no more than 5 minutes.

Such a procedure is carried out in order to extract harmful insects, and to increase the ability of moisture absorption.

A detailed description of the process will eliminate fuss and unnecessary errors. It is important to follow the sequence.

It is important to regularly monitor the condition of the soil. After all, over time, it is depleted, decomposed, turning into dust. Then it is better to transplant the orchid or renew the soil. The state of the orchid directly depends on the presence of one or another component, so think it over well before using the material.

Useful video

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

Orchid princesses bring to our home not only the touching beauty of the exotic tropics. It has long been noticed that in rooms with these amazing colors a benevolent atmosphere reigns, filled with bright and joyful feelings.

Some orchids - paphiopedium, cymbidium, calantha - grow in soils, and they need completely different care conditions than most epiphytes. Ground orchids for better growth need the addition of special cortical materials to the soil.

Epiphytic plants prefer containers with holes - baskets or special pots that allow the roots to breathe.

Orchids that are accustomed to a special habitat - rocks, are called lithophytes or rock lilies, and for their normal growth, stones must dominate in the substrate.

Most orchids are moisture-loving plants, but there are species that can accumulate moisture in seals on the rhizomes, the so-called pseudobulbs, and their substrate should dry out slightly between waterings.

Requirements for the preparation of soil for orchids-epiphytes

The main task of the substrate for epiphyte orchids is to keep the plant upright, keep a minimum of moisture near the roots and freely pass air to the root system. That is why the soil for epiphyte orchids does not contain garden soil at all, but consists of bark, large fractions of sand mixed with perlite or vermiculite, granular clay, natural fibers, cork, coal, moss. In percentage terms, the composition looks like this:

Option 1

70% pine bark (pieces 10-15 mm)

10% perlite

10% sequoia bark

Option 2

90% conifer bark

5% charcoal

5% sphagnum moss

For phalaenopsis, cattleya, dendrobium, the substrate may consist of the following components:

50% conifer bark (5-15 mm fragments)

20% foam

15% expanded clay

5% charcoal in pieces 4-10 mm.

Some experienced orchid growers do not recommend using expanded clay as drainage, but recommend giving preference to natural materials - river pebbles and sand, after washing and boiling the pebbles, and calcining the sand in the oven. When arranging drainage for orchids, light and neutral foam is used.

Depending on the required irrigation regimes for individual species, the components of the soil for orchids will differ. For orchids that prefer a constant wet state of the soil - miltonia, vandas, lycastes, calanthes, draculas, the following substrate components are recommended:

Option 1

40% conifer bark

30% cork material

20% foam

Option 2

25% sphagnum moss

25% perlite

For orchids in which the substrate should dry out a little between waterings - akakallis, leptotes, trichopilia, vilestekears - the main components of the substrate can be:

Option 1

20% cork material

10% coconut fiber

Option 2

25% pine bark

25% foam

10% expanded clay

Experienced flower growers have their own secret of preparing pine bark for orchid substrate. Pieces of pine bark are subjected to heat treatment in boiling water for 20 minutes. After drying and grinding, the bark is soaked in a warm solution with orchid fertilizers, placed under oppression for several hours. Wet fractions of the bark are a wonderful component for the substrate. Some flower growers add a few granules of AVA long-term fertilizer to the substrate, and to prevent diseases and the appearance of pests, sprinkle the soil mixture with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.

Beginning orchid growers in garden centers, nurseries or flower shops can pick up a ready-made substrate for orchids, for example, Vermion, Fasco "Flower Happiness", Terra Vita Gruntovich, Morris Green, "Effect", "Stender", "Landshafta NET" and others.

Ground for ground orchids

When compiling soil for terrestrial orchid species, a substrate for epiphytes is used, with the addition of a small amount of dry leaves and garden soil. A pot for planting is chosen with a large number of holes to improve drainage. To facilitate the penetration of air to the roots, sphagnum moss is not mixed with the rest of the substrate components, but is laid out in a pot on top of the soil mixture.

For Paphiopedium, the soil mixture consists of the following elements:

Option 1

20% dry oak leaves

20% pine bark

20% expanded clay

Option 2

35% clayey sand

15% perlite

15% pine bark

For cymbidium and zygopetalum, the soil mixture may include the following components:

25% foam

Recently, flower growers have often practiced growing orchids not in the ground, but in a hydrogel. Orchids do not like to be disturbed frequently with repotting. Young plants that are 1-2 years old can wait at least a year to transplant. But deciduous orchids - tunia, calanth - are recommended to be transplanted annually. Epiphytic orchids are moved to a new pot every 4-5 years, and evergreens - once every 2-3 years.

The composition of the soil for orchids cannot significantly affect the number of peduncles or the approach of the flowering period, but an increase in daylight hours and regulation of the irrigation regime can. But the state of the beautiful orchid directly depends on the well-chosen components of the soil mixture.

Categories

Popular