Some people grow orchids as decorations for their homes and so they position them in various locations throughout the house, some grow orchid plants as part of a hobby in greenhouses or especially designated rooms, while others grow orchids to then commercially distribute them as wholesalers to gardening centers and nurseries or sell them directly to end users.

Whichever is the scenario that most closely resembles your particular situation, your orchid plants will need to be potted in a potting media that is optimal for their growth and proper development. In other words, the processes of growing orchids does not differ regardless of the motivation or driving force behind it.

The options for orchid potting media are many as you could use a single product or a mixture of two or more and those might include tree bark (fir, redwood, etc.), horticultural grade perlite, sponge rock, rock wool, wood flakes, moss, coconut husk chips and, of course, coconut fiber which is often also referred to as coir or coconut hair. Which media you select and at which proportions of the mix entirely depends on the type of orchid plants you grow and partially on your own personal preference. But ultimately, you should let the orchid plants themselves tell you whether or not they are happy in the potting media you provided them. And they will definitely tell you but you will have to listen very closely.

In growing my orchid plants I like to use coarse perlite that had been allocated to horticulture, small or medium size (depending on the size of the pot) coconut bark chips and chopped coconut fiber in equal measures. I found that this combination provides the aeration that orchid root systems require as well as the structural support and the moisture the plants need to thrive, grow and produce the blooms I so want to see.

The following is a demonstration of a coconut fiber husk machine.
If you’ve never seen how it’s done before, I recommend that you take a moment to watch it.

The coconut fiber that I have mentioned is derived from the fibrous husk of the palm tree coconut. Because of their low cellulose and high lignin contents, coconut fibers are very pliable and therefore also extraordinarily durable. When harvested from young and under ripened coconuts, the fiber tends to be golden yellow while that which is harvested from mature coconuts is a dark brown.

Because of its resilience, coconut fiber is in high demand as an additive to potting soil but it has also found its usefulness in the production of hawsers, ropes, cords, runners, mats, brooms, brushes and as in upholstery and stuffing of mattresses. Although coconut palm trees are found in many parts of the world, coconut fiber is mostly collected for industrial use in African Tanzania and Kenya and Asian Thailand and Sri Lanka and then transported all over the globe.

I am certain that as a grower of orchids, whether a veteran or a newbie, you will undoubtedly benefit from our site and all the valuable information we have to offer right here at Orchid Care.org. Take your time to browse thoroughly.

Filed under: Orchid Supplies

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