Soil for orchids: composition and preparation by one's own hands. What is the soil for Phalaenopsis orchids? What mixture of soil is needed for orchids

Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the most beautiful and unpretentious plants that are well cultivated in an apartment. Proper selection of the substrate for domestic orchids is a key factor in the successful cultivation of this flower. For the best growth of your pets, it is recommended to make a substrate for orchids with your own hands.

Orchids belong to the group of epiphytic flowers, which means that their growth requires the content of wood or bark in the soil. To create the optimal substrate for phalaenopsis, you need to use many components. The final composition must meet the following requirements:

• the main component of the soil is the bark, its derivatives and substrates similar in morphology;
• the substrate must be well aerated and hydrogenated;
• as part of the mixture, the presence of organic matter available to the plant is mandatory.

Thus, we see what kind of substrate is needed for planting orchids. However, one should not forget that in addition to epiphytic phalaenopsis, developing on vegetation covers, there is another group of these exotic plants. The ground form of orchids requires the use of a different planting material. For such flowers, soil moisture should be an order of magnitude higher and the soil itself should be denser.

For epiphytic

Pine bark can be used as a key soil component for epiphytic orchids. Such a component has optimal properties - it does not retain moisture, is light, loose, and also repels potential plant pests due to resin passages.

It is good to add coconut fiber or coconut chips to pine bark. They can be used as a link. In addition, coconut flakes are better than bark in some aspects due to the fact that it is not colonized, despite being rich in nutrients for the plant. Some gardeners grow orchids entirely on this component.

Use high-moor peat and charcoal as an organic component for phalaenopsis. Adding them to an orchid pot endows the common substrate with bactericidal properties, improves oxygen metabolism. Humic acids, which are contained in peat, are also useful for the plant; they act as a kind of doping necessary for feeding orchids. Charcoal is best used in the form of particles up to two centimeters in size. The content of this component in the mixture should not exceed 15%.

Perlite or vermiculite is often added to the main mixture in the substrate. These are medium-sized, porous pebbles with a high sulfur content. Such an additive maintains moisture, normalizes the microelement composition of the mixture, and also allows the soil to “breathe” better.

Alternative substrates have been widely used abroad. They consist of a material similar to perlite. These are small particles of rocks of volcanic origin. In other cases, the coconut layer is replaced with buckwheat husk, which works approximately the same way.

For ground

For growing ground orchids, you can use the basic one that is also required for the growth of epiphytic forms. It is recommended to add a special peat soil to the mixture of pine and coke substrate. This material is required by phalaenopsis for moisture retention.

Experienced gardeners add a little dried sphagnum moss to the substrate. It regulates the humidity in the container, and also contributes to the nutrition of the plant. A mixture with the addition of sphagnum can be used to grow both terrestrial and epiphytic forms.

How to choose components

Different forms of phalaenopsis grow on different mixtures. Without the substrate required by a particular species, it is impossible to grow a normal, healthy plant that will delight you with its color all year round.

For terrestrial species, it is recommended to use a mixture based on oak or pine bark, to which peat, sphagnum, expanded clay and charcoal are added in equal proportions. The substrate selectivity of such a soil is quite high - it is not worth planting epiphytic forms on it. Be sure to add a high phosphate liquid fertilizer to the mix before inoculating the substrate.

Manufacturing

Making soil for orchids is easy and can be done at home. The main part of the substrate is pine bark.

For self-preparation of the buffer, it is necessary to find in the forest an already fallen, but not yet rotten pine. Choose a good trunk from which the bark will easily fall behind. Avoid collecting bark from still-living pine trees. Such material can harm your orchid due to the high content of resinous substances.

After that, we clean the collected material from sand, debris, resin clots, crush it so that there are no too large pieces. To disinfect the bark, keep it in a water bath for twenty minutes. The procedure is repeated twice for three days.

After the second boiling, we again crush the bark to the size of small squares with a side of approximately 1.5 cm. Then we dry the resulting material with high quality, package it so that it can be stored for a long time.

The best moss for orchids is sphagnum. It grows in abundance around water bodies, on rich organic soil.

Charcoal is best harvested fresh from a fire. It is desirable that the logs have not been treated with an incendiary mixture before.

As a result, we mix all the collected materials. The last to add soaked and dried bark. You can sterilize the resulting mixture under ultraviolet light to kill all pathogens.

Video “Preparing the substrate for orchids”

From this video you will learn how to prepare a substrate for an orchid at home.

How demanding are orchids on the composition and structure of the soil?

Soil soil for phalaenopsis is not suitable no matter what composition it has.

In order to choose the right type of soil, you need to know in what natural conditions this plant grows.

Phalaenopsis grows in tropical forests, mainly on tree trunks, snags and mountain ledges, where the orchid lives without soil. They don't call it "air" for nothing.

At home for 99% hybrid forms are grown specially designed for this. But this does not mean at all that there is any difference when choosing a soil that is close to natural, more natural composition.

Phalaenopsis orchid soil: main components and their characteristics

Proper soil is an integral part of the full development of orchids.

land for phalaenopsis called a substrate and its choice is of decisive importance for the full development of the plant.

Compound determined by climate in place - temperature, humidity, light.

The structure and components are selected as per the conditions, and by hybrid characteristics, flower size, capacity characteristics, etc.

Only lush flowering and development will give an answer to the correctness in the selection of the composition of the substrate.

The composition or mixture may include the following components:

• tree bark;
• Moss sphagnum;
• Cones of coniferous species;
• Charcoal;
• Vermiculite, perlite and expanded clay;
• Styrofoam;
• Peat;
• fern roots;
• Fiber from coconut, etc.

In modern flower outlets for sale there are specially selected composition for orchids.

But everyone, in principle, can prepare it on their own, following certain rules and guidelines.

Unlike natural ingredients, synthetic have more disadvantages, which you should pay attention to when choosing and preparing a soil mixture.

When using polymers, it is worth knowing that under the influence of light, elements contained in air and water, decomposition processes take place., resulting in the formation free form styrene.

And he, in turn, penetrating the roots, does a lot of damage to the plant..

In most cases modern hybrid forms of phalaenopsis not very demanding on the traditional composition of the soil.

But still, each reveals its hybrid characteristics to the maximum, subject to certain proportions and composition of the components.

Soil or as it is called by experts - substrate must meet certain requirements:

• Be easy;
• moisture-intensive;
• breathable;
• Loose.

Important! The main purpose of the soil is to create stability for the plant, close to the natural environment.

Orchidists use as main component substrate pine bark with good aeration and moisture capacity.

Types of soil for phalaenopsis

There are many types on sale soil for orchids . There are with natural ingredients, there are with artificial ones or their mixture. Absolutely different proportions in the compositions.

Newcomers very difficult to decide what kind of soil is needed with such a choice, and doing it yourself can be laborious or simply not enough desire.

It is important to know the characteristics of your plant and understand the purpose of each component of the substrate and understand the proportions.

Proportions

The proportions are determined by the conditions of the place of cultivation.

• At high humidity you can get by with only one pine bark with a small addition of charcoal, no more than 5%.
• With medium humidity indoor air (50-60%), sphagnum moss should be added to increase the moisture capacity in proportions of 2 to 1.
• If the humidity is lower, then add moisture-absorbing components in a ratio of 1 to 2.

Lineups

The composition of the substrate is also very diverse., but the bark remains the main components and very rarely some flower growers use leaf ground.

Various types of soil for Phalaenopsis orchids.

The composition is determined by the understanding of the existence of a plant in nature.

Like an epiphyte phalaenopsis does not require rooting, but grows thanks to symbiosis with crops of tree origin.

The remaining components are of secondary, but still necessary importance for the full development.

Applied components: which one is better?

Pine bark

The most common substrate component.

To some extent is not a natural environment for orchids, but when grown at home, it has all the properties that are so necessary for the plant - the uniform distribution of moisture and ensures maximum air intake.

oak bark

It has the same properties and also requires heat treatment.

If resins are removed from the pine bark, then at the oak —tannins. Good recommendations for cork oak.

Peat

Basically, riding peat is used:

• Possessing a very high moisture capacity;
• The ability to absorb and retain nutrients.

One of its main advantages is that even when fully saturated with moisture, it able to hold a decent amount of air.

Of the shortcomings, it should be noted hyperacidity that needs to be neutralized.

Advice! 10 g per 1 kg of peat dolomite flour brings peat to a neutral state within 10-14 days.

coconut fiber

organic component, in some characteristics superior to sphagnum peat. good conductor and moisture absorbent. Regulates soil moisture.

Non-caking and clumping. Good breathable. Has found wide application in growing on blocks.

Contains in the composition of K, Ca and some N.

Expanded clay

Many flower growers use as expanded clay drainage. Of course, it also has certain advantages.

But its porous structure is not only retains moisture well, but also has ability to store salt, which are part of any water, which is an orchid.

Expanded clay is moisture resistant and is able to accumulate salt from water.

Later on, it happens salinity of the entire substrate and the ability to absorb vital moisture is lost.

Another disadvantage is its unnecessary ability draw moisture from the roots during its drying.

Styrofoam

Applied as drainage component And How sustainability element. Good air permeability.

According to orchid growers does no harm if light and neutral foams are used.

Vermiculite

Great baking powder any soil. Doesn't let it dry out and crumple. Efficient Regulator air-water balance.

Has the property absorb moisture, several times its own weight, which reduces the time spent on irrigation.

Contains a sufficient amount beneficial trace elements. Reduces salinity and acidity.

sphagnum moss

One of the widely used ingredients when creating a substrate.

Has a high ability absorb water vapor from the air(hygroscopicity).

Moreover, it contains many useful trace elements and nutrients, which is not present in the cortex.

The poverty of the microflora does not allow development of pathogenic bacteria.

Charcoal

One of the frequent constituents of the soil, but no more than 5%. Recommended as a substance improves air and water permeability.

Does not allow waterlogging of the soil, prevents acidification. Excellent antiseptic, which prevents the formation of putrefactive processes.

Raises the pH considered mandatory in use as an absorbent component.

Activated carbon

Used as disinfectant with problems with the root system and its treatment.

The tablet is crushed and the cuts are sprinkled with activated charcoal, which often occurs during plant transplantation.

Natural cork fiber

Used as moss or coconut fiber replacements. Highly rarely used in cultivation due to the rarity in the flower market.

Pine cones

Pine cones are used as an additive to the main substrate.

use stiff scales as an additive to the main substrate. Some growers use pine cones in the form of a block for growing.

An original, but rather time-consuming task during creation and maintenance.

Humus

Can be used in a small amount in the substrate high-quality leafy humus.

The danger is being in it. pathogens and insects.

This also applies to diluted horse manure. His must be disinfected or not apply at all.

Perlite

Substance volcanic origin. It is similar in functionality to vermiculite, but does not contain nutrients.

Osmunda fern roots

In former years were the main component substrate.

At present, with their scarcity mostly used bark.

The most popular purchased substrates and soils

There is currently a wide selection different composition of the substrate for orchids:

• "OVI";
• "Flower Happiness" (Fasco);
• "Lechuza-Pon";
• Soil mixture for orchids "Effect";
• "Orchid Focus Repotting Mix";
• "Orchid";
• PEATFIELD;
• "Florin for an orchid" and many others.

Lots of parts for sale for ground preparation.

You can buy separately and prepare a high-quality substrate necessary for your conditions.

Do-it-yourself soil preparation

Basically, make your own substrate not so difficult and does not require a lot of money or time.

Important! The bark is removed from a dead tree or at woodworking enterprises.

Possible composition options

Option 1:

• Pine bark - 50%;
• Styrofoam - 15-20%;
• Expanded clay - 15-20%;
• Sphagnum peat - 10%;
• Charcoal - 5%.

Option 2:

• Bark - 95%;
• Charcoal - 5%.

The most common compound.

Option 3:

• Bark - 5 parts;
• Moss - sphagnum - 2 parts;
• Charcoal - 1 part.

Attention! When choosing a composition, they are guided by the hybrid characteristics of phalaenopsis, room conditions and the place of cultivation. The composition is different for different types of pots, as well as for different humidity and temperature in the room.

Substrate processing

How and why to sterilize and rinse?

Unscrupulous manufacturers with improper storage can allow fungal diseases in components.

With self-collection, you can also collect the same bark stuffed with pests.

For disinfection it is customary to subject it:

• heat treatment;
• Boiling method;
• Watering with boiling water;
• Roasting in the oven.

After heat treatment, soaking in cold water, and then complete drying.

What to disinfect?

Basically, a good heat treatment is enough to protect the plant from harmful microorganisms and pests.

Besides, the moss itself is a good antiseptic.

Useful video

Look at the video, varieties of substrates for orchids:

Video recipe on how to prepare the soil for an orchid with your own hands:

Video advice on preparing soil for orchids:

Conclusion

Properly selected soil for phalaenopsis is a guarantee that your pet will be healthy, develop successfully and delight with lush, full-fledged flowering.

This should be taken with great care and understand which components are used for what. Better apply quality natural ingredients.

In contact with

The phalaenopsis that we grow at home are specially bred hybrids, and their ancestors grow in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Their genus includes about 40 species and hybrids.

ATTENTION: For these orchids, soil is not soil in the usual sense of the word. In nature, they are accustomed to getting natural substances from the water that falls on their roots. In indoor growing, soil is needed as a support for growth and retention in potted plants.

If the soil is heavy for the plant, then enough air and nutrients will not get into the roots. And from this the plant will simply die. Therefore, when choosing a soil for a flower, it is necessary to take into account some of the requirements of the plant. It must provide:

• breathability;
• moisture permeability;
• retain nutrients and dry in 3-4 days.

The composition matters a lot. The soil for phalaenopsis is called the substrate.. It can be purchased ready-made in a special store, or you can make it yourself by choosing the right and high-quality components.

The composition of the best substrates should include:

If you do not have the opportunity, desire or time to make the soil yourself, then just buy it in a specialized store. There are a huge number of store substrates, but as practice has shown, not all of them are of good quality.. So, when buying a substrate, you need to pay attention to some features:

• The bark should be of good quality - dense, strong, without damage and not too small. Pieces of bark in the substrate should be whole up to 3 cm, in no case crumbled.
• Moss must be disinfected and dried.
• Charcoal - pieces should be 2 cm in size (smaller ones will easily collapse).
• The substrate should not look like a lump of earth, because it will accumulate moisture in itself and pass air poorly.
• The composition should not contain earth, only pieces of charcoal, bark, fern root, poured and coconut fiber.

What requirements must be met?

In order for the plant to take root and be comfortable, certain selection principles must be observed:

• It should not be too tight and compacted.
• The substrate should dry out in 3 days - this is the ideal soil for phalaenopsis.
• The lower the humidity of the room, the more soil is needed. It must have a sufficient amount of moisture-absorbing components.

Remember, the desire to have a beautiful orchid at home is not enough. First you need to study the theory on. It is especially important to know the conditions of detention for just that. Read the advice of our experts on which ones are needed and how to apply them correctly, how it is necessary and why it is important to respect the premises in which the phalaenopis is located.

The easiest way is to plant your plant in ready-made purchased soil.. Now there are a large number of foreign and domestic compositions.

ADVICE: Remember that there should be no earth in it. If, nevertheless, you saw its presence in the substrate, then simply sift it. At home, it is not necessary to use all of the listed components. It is enough to take the most basic of them.

Compositions can be:

Experienced flower growers have developed the best formulations for the development of phalaenopsis. Consider them:

1. The following composition is popular:
   • pine bark - 2 parts;
   • gravel or pebbles - 2 parts;
   • expanded clay - 1 part;
   • charcoal - 1 part.
2. You can apply the following composition:
   • pine or oak bark - 3 parts;
   • pieces of pumice - 1 part;
   • charcoal - 1 part;
   • fern roots - 1 part;
   • expanded clay - 1 part.

Do it yourself

Main components:

1. The bark is oak or pine. Take from a fallen or cut down tree. It should easily separate from the wood, be dry and not rotten.
2. Charcoal is taken from the burnt trunk of birch, oak, beech. It is advisable to do this yourself to be sure that it burned without polymers and toxic substances.
3. Fern root - dig in the summer, clean from the ground, wash, cut into small pieces and dry.
4. Sphagnum moss and peat can be collected on your own in the swamp or bought at the store.
5. Skins of forest, pine or walnuts, sunflower seed husks or egg shells - baking powder.
6. Minerals perlite and vermiculite - buy at the store.
7. Expanded clay, polystyrene or polystyrene, pebbles, gravel, pumice - drainage.

Step by step manufacturing instructions:

1. Collection of components.
2. Sanitization - most self-assembled components cannot be used without disinfection. They need to be washed, thermally processed, crushed to the desired size, and dried. Can be packaged for long term storage.
3. Parts of the substrate can be collected gradually.
4. Using mixing recipes, prepare the soil.

Watch a video on how to prepare a substrate for orchids with your own hands:

Comparing a store-bought substrate with a self-made one, it's hard to say which one is better.. On the one hand, you can give preference to the store - it is already prepared according to all the rules and for all the needs of the plant, it also contains natural ingredients. But unfortunately it is not always of good quality.

On the other hand, if you give preference to a self-prepared substrate, you will certainly be confident in the quality of the assembled components and select them according to your flower conditions. But you will face such a problem - not all components you can find. Therefore, a store-bought one with the addition of your selected components will be a universal substrate for phalaenopsis.

Consequences of the wrong choice

An improperly selected substrate can become a problem for the root system of a flower.. It harms soil that has caked or compacted. As a result, orchids rot or dry out.

IMPORTANT: But a dying plant can be saved. To do this, it needs to be urgently transplanted with a complete replacement of the soil. And of course, reconsider its components. After all, they may have caused problems with the plant.

For details on how to transplant a phalaenopsis orchid at home, read.

Conclusion

To keep your plant healthy and delight you with beautiful flowering, you need to be very careful about the choice of substrate for orchids without it, cultivation is doomed to failure.

And then you can avoid problems and complications in caring for a flower. Now you know which substrate is best for planting phalaenopsis at home. Successful flower growing!

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An orchid is an amazing plant, and anyone who has ever seen it in bloom, probably wanted to grow the same at home. However, this may not be an easy test. The tropical beauty is rather capricious, and it will take a lot of time to get used to it. Often the first orchids of the owners die, which serves as some lesson that explains what can and cannot be done.

Several ways to kill an orchid

Quite often, a beginner brings home a flower and immediately rushes to transplant it. After all, there is almost no earth in the pot. At the same time, the substrate for the orchid is collected by eye, or even garden soil is taken, which is then abundantly flavored with top dressing. The result is rotting of the root system and death.

The second option is irrigation. We are used to the fact that the earth in pots should be constantly wet, so we begin to water the orchid as soon as the top layer of moss has dried up a little. Not all varieties are able to endure such abuse, but if your orch has not rotted, then you need to pay tribute to the substrate: it is quite light and does not retain moisture.

The third chance to get rid of the plant is to constantly rearrange it, look for that very illuminated place, then, on the contrary, hide it from direct sunlight. This plant does not like moving very much, so try to find the optimal location right away. But the most important factor is still a good substrate for the orchid.

The main properties of the substrate

The soil for an orchid of tropical origin is needed for the most part so that the flower can gain a foothold and stay in one place. When choosing components, you need to pay attention not to nutritional properties, but to breathability. The substrate for orchids should be well structured and absorb moisture. It is this ratio of qualities that should ensure the normal growth and development of the plant.

Typically, the composition of the soil includes several components, not only of natural, but also of man-made origin. The most important thing is that the chosen combination provides air and light access to the roots, and also does not cause decay.

Finished products

At first glance, the easiest way is to go to the store and buy a ready-made substrate for orchids. But here some problems arise. There are quite a few varieties of orchids, and the requirements of each of them can be seriously different. For example, you buy a package of soil, and there is one sphagnum moss or, even worse, peat. If you stuff the pot tightly with it, this can lead to rotting of the roots. Therefore, you will have to look for something to dilute the composition.

In fact, if we consider purchased soil, then it is very difficult to find a good one. Of the really high-quality ones, one can name German, Seramis brands. It is made on the basis of pine bark, to which a porous material made of special clay is added. An excellent substrate for orchids, reviews of which are extremely positive. Retains moisture and provides good air exchange in the pot, does not need to be modified.

All other ready-made mixtures are most often produced by manufacturers based on peat. Plants planted in such mixtures suffer from waterlogging. The root system completely rots and falls off during planting along with waterlogged peat. What to do? Experienced flower growers recommend making your own substrate for orchids. Reviews emphasize that there is nothing complicated about this. And the basis may well be store soil mixture. It must be sieved well to remove all peat, and then brought to perfection with moss, bark and charcoal.

Where to get bark

The optimal composition of the substrate for orchids is unthinkable without pine bark. This is due to the fact that this plant has unique properties to disinfect the air due to natural phytoncides. Therefore, the bark is the safest for the plant. But keep in mind that dead, flaky tissue, which is the easiest to collect, often harbors bugs and bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to dry the bark well in the oven or boil it, and then spread it out in the sun.

There are two ways to prepare the bark:

• In the first case, you need to collect the bark in a park or a protected area, or even better outside the city, in a pine forest. Do not forget that you can not tear it off by force. Collect only what falls off by itself.
• Take the newspaper with ads. Surely you will find an advertisement for a local sawmill where pine is sold. Call the manager and ask if you can buy bark from them. In most cases, it will be given away for free, but a small amount may be requested.

We sort through the received material

Whatever variety you grow, the composition of the substrate for orchids will necessarily include bark. Having acquired this valuable material, be sure to sort it out. All dark, sunburned and tarry areas should be thrown away. It is best to select the upper sections, which exfoliate themselves. Now the resulting material needs to be made usable.

It is profitable and easy to make a substrate for orchids with your own hands. The bark needs to be cut into layers and then into pieces. Fractions should be approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. You can break it with your hands, cut with pruners or scissors. And experts suggest using a meat grinder. To do this, remove the mesh and knife, you definitely won't need them. The auger itself will grind the bark. Sizes will vary, which is perfectly normal.

Now you need to boil the bark. This is done in order to disinfect it from worms and insects. There should be enough bark and water to leave at least 5 cm to the edges. Boil the raw material for 15 minutes, then drain the water and lay the bark on a baking sheet to dry.

Auxiliary components

You can argue for a long time which substrate is best for orchids. The fact is that depending on the variety, the plant may impose different requirements on its composition. It's all about the ratio of ingredients. An ideal option that your tropical beauty will definitely like is a 1:3 ratio, where there is more bark and less moss.

Moss can be bought in a store where it is sold dried, or you can collect it yourself. Go to a pond or a river where it is damp and there are stones. It will be possible to collect the material with your hands or a spatula. Now you need to rinse the prey and spread it on a baking sheet to dry. If you have several orchids, then you can prepare for the future. To do this, 10 liters of bark will require about half a kilogram of moss and 30 activated charcoal tablets. More is possible, since this component is an antiseptic.

Substrate preparation

All components are ready for you. Now pour the prepared bark into a large basin. Moss needs to be cut into small pieces with scissors. This is important so that the soil is less caking. Coal needs to be crushed. The maximum quantity per pot is 50 tablets. Now the whole mass must be thoroughly mixed - and your substrate is ready. You just need to collect it in a bag and leave it until it is needed.

This is not only the best substrate for orchids, but also a versatile option for planting any flower. It remains only to put a little nutritious part, earth or humus and plant a flower.

If the bark cannot be found

It is quite possible that you will not be able to find it, but in specialized stores they shrug their shoulders and answer that there is nothing like that. It does not matter, the substrate for orchids can be collected without it. This component is not nutritious, and can be easily replaced with pebbles, crushed bricks or expanded clay. Any material that is non-toxic and allows the soil to remain porous can be used.

Transfer

If you just bought a new plant, then of course you do not know what kind of orchid substrate was used in the nursery where it was grown. Therefore, there are two options. The first is to observe the plant, and if it grows normally, then postpone the transplant. An alternative option is to immediately transplant, without waiting until the lack of growth makes you suspect root rot. Experts believe that a new plant should be transplanted immediately after it fades.

The most gentle method of transplantation is transshipment. If you are sure about the quality of the soil, then carefully shake the plant out of the pot along with the earthy clod, rearrange it in a larger container and pour a little substrate into the empty places.

Choosing a pot

As a rule, adult plants are sold in pots with a diameter of 12 cm. When transplanting, a slightly larger copy is used, that is, 14 or 15 cm. The best pots are transparent. This is very convenient, since the owner has the opportunity to see how the root system develops, as well as evaluate the drying of the soil. A new pot is chosen taking into account the size of the roots. Also, remember that they will continue to grow. But if you see that the root system is damaged, then change the soil, and leave the pot the same.

Transfer

In order not to injure the roots of the plant, it is better to cut the pot. An earthen ball is placed under a stream of warm water and gently washed. Pieces of soil that are firmly stuck should not be removed, let them remain. Now pay attention to the state of the roots. The absence of color in those that are in the depths is a normal phenomenon, because almost no light penetrates there. But if you see that there is a void in the middle of the root system, then this means that the plant was originally planted in peat, and then transferred with it to a large pot.

As a result, when you started watering the orchid by soaking, the following happened. The center of the pot, where the peat is concentrated, absorbed a lot of moisture, and the bark quickly dried out along the edges. Outside, we see that the soil has dried up, and we begin to water it. As a result, the roots simply rot in the center. Rotten roots are easy to recognize: they are empty inside. They need to be removed. If the roots are good, then the plant must be dried for three hours, and then planted in a new substrate. If you had to remove a lot of roots, you will have to wait for the next day.

Don't skimp on the ground

The best substrate for orchids should contain a large amount of large fractions. If you buy cheap soil from the store, you can be sure that it consists of moss and peat. Because of this, it dries unevenly, which is very bad for the roots. That is why we recommend refusing to use purchased soils or upgrading them yourself. Recall once again that the ideal substrate for Phalaenopsis orchids should contain 2/3 of the bark particles. It is not recommended to bury the plant so that the neck of the plant does not rot. Also try to fill the middle of the pot with large fractions so that it dries out faster. But for the top layer, you can leave the smallest fractions of the bark mixed with moss. It is this part of the substrate that dries out the fastest.

Growing in a glass

As we have already found out, the soil for the orchid is not a nutrient medium, pieces of bark simply hold the plant in one position. However, some flower growers decided to get by with just an empty vase. An orchid without a substrate grows just as well. In order to grow a plant in a new way, you need to remove it from the pot and rinse the roots thoroughly. After that, place it in a glass vase, glass or glass based on the size of the plant. You can put a little moss or coconut fiber on the bottom, but this is more for beauty.

Water the plant by soaking. Water is poured into the glass (up to the place where the leaves are attached), and after 10 minutes it is drained. The next watering is after 7 days, but if the plant is wilted, then it is possible earlier. In this case, the transplantation of orchids is simply incredibly simplified. The substrate is not needed, just choose a cup according to the size of the overgrown root system, and you're done.

Instead of a conclusion

An orchid is a capricious plant, but most often it dies not even because the new owner turned out to be too inexperienced. Tropical beauties are ruined by our gullibility. Since the plant was sold in this soil, it means that it is optimal for it. If you bought a box in the store that says "Orchid Substrate", then this is the best thing you can think of for this plant. Is not a fact. As you can see, it is much better to collect the soil yourself. Then you will definitely be sure that the proportions are optimal, and the orchid will feel good. Today we looked at what the substrate should consist of, and also learned how you can grow an orchid without it at all. This information will be useful to anyone who decides to grow a beautiful orchid on their windowsill. Good luck!

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:

1. Styrofoam;
2. expanded clay;
3. synthetic fibers;
4. expanded polystyrene;
5. 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 open orchid? 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.