Discovering the Perfect Pots and Potting Mixes for your Orchids - It's Really No Secret At All!
Oh, you’ve visited these orchid growers. Those whose potted orchids are thriving, brilliant with color, bursting with fragrance. Then you return home to look at your puny, undernourished potted orchids.
You can’t help but ask, “What am I doing wrong?”
Well, believe it or not, success in growing potted orchid plants depends on a gentle balance in part of the potting medium you use, and the size of your pot – and even what type of flower pot you choose.
Sounds a little complication? It really isn’t. In fact, it really isn’t that different from taking care of any other potted plant.
Let’s start with the pot!
Far too many to choose from. Perhaps that’s your first thought when you walk into a garden supply store or start to surf the internet. And that’s true. But your specific interests in orchids are going to be narrowed to a very small range shortly.
Follow me to Aisle 8 of this garden supply store. Direct your attention to the plastic pot. It’s light weight and provides for drainage. This is perfect for use indoors. If used outdoors it’s likely to tip over in the wind.
And really look at the color, a nice light color. It won’t heat up too much in the strong sunlight. Actually this clear polythene pot is ideal. Why? Because it allows more light to actually get to the roots.
In Aisle 9, we have the terracotta orchid pot. This is a heavier pot. So obviously it’s more stable than the plastic one. It has one drainage hole at the bottom. (Some types have several holes along the sides of the pot as well). These pots are literal wonders in preventing the growing medium from becoming waterlogged. That means they are perfect for the drought-tolerant epiphytic orchids.
Next, let’s cruise to Aisle 10 of or garden store, where we find the basket orchid pot. This particular container is suitable for orchids with pendant flowers. It’s also great for holding the heavy-rooted, sprawling orchids. You can find these particular pots made from wire, plastic, mesh wood or even pottery. These are good because it allows the air to circulate around the compost and the roots.
Pot-bound?
The inner gardener in you might be tempted to transplant your orchid the moment you notice it getting pot-bound. Restrain that green thumb of yours! Many varieties of orchids actually flourish in this circumstance. If you have any doubts about this, just remember that it’s actually the plant’s thick root system that nourishes these stunning flowers.
Now you can understand why all the orchid experts tell you that your flowers should be “under potted” in order to produce more flowers. The size of the container must be able to provide the aeration necessary to the roots. Only re-pot these plants when it’s absolutely, positively necessary – no sooner. The Cymbidium orchids serve as a good example. They should be repotted only after two or three years of growing in the same pot. Some varieties will never need repotted.
What about potting mixes?
Okay, I’m standing here with the orchid and the pot. Now what type of potting mix do I use?
To be honest, don’t run out into your yard and start filling your pot with soil. The perfect growing medium for your amazingly beautiful orchids consists of a combination of organic fibers and inorganic materials. These mixes come in three grades: fine, medium and coarse. And you can find them either in organic or inorganic varieties. And sometimes you can even find a potting mix that’s a combination of both.
So what are your organic choices?
Fir Bark. This is easy to find and best of all it’s inexpensive. Another advantage is that it’s slow to rot. You will find that at first, it’s difficult to hold water.
Redwood Bark. This holds water better than the fir bark, and it decays slowly.
Coconut Husks. This is probably first choice among most growers. You’ll discover that one of its advantages is that it’s reasonably priced. But it’s lightweight and holds water rather well. But beware – because it does decay a bit more rapidly than some of the other choices.
Sphagnum Moss. This gives your orchid a great balance of water and air retention. But if you use this, just remember not to pack it too tightly.
Tree Fern Fiber. If you’re lucky enough to find this rare fiber, you’ll find that it drains well and decomposes slowly.
The best inorganic choices of potting mix are:
Charcoal. This is a great choice because not only is it slow to decay, but it absorbs many of the toxic substances.
Lava rock. Though it can be quite heavy, this potting medium is good because it provides adequate drainage and doesn’t break down – two requirements for healthy orchids.
Alifor. These are small clay pieces. They provide a moderate amount of drainage. The main benefit to using these is that they’re decay proof.
Vermiculite. This medium holds water well and it increases root exposure to air.
Pearlite. The ability to absorb water is only one of its strong points. It’s also very light and it's highly decay resistant.
Turface. Used anywhere you use pearlite, this medium is heavy and, unfortunately, expensive.
But why depend on just one type of medium. You know your orchids best. You know where they grow best and what medium they prefer. Don’t hesitate to mix your own medium using some of the ingredients above.
Doesn’t your orchid deserve all the loving care you can give it?
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