Because orchid plants are epiphytes or air plants that have originally come from rainforests and jungles where they grew on tree trunks and branches with their roots never touching or barely touching the ground, they do grow in the same type of soils that most other potted plants do. As a matter of fact, orchids do not grow in soil at all but rather in what is known as potting media.

And potting media consists of an organic matter such as tree bark (usually fir and sometimes redwood) or wood shavings, coconut husk chips or coconut fiber, osmunda fiber, or moss (Sphagnum or peat). Orchid potting media can also consist of naturally occurring substances such as chipped rock or sifted perlite, sponge rock, rock wool, granulated charcoal, clay pellets, and so on. The potting mix itself is often a combined mixture of two or more of these but the ratios and combinations often depend on the type of orchids which are to be grown and the personal preference of their growers.

Whichever are the components of the orchid potting media, be lightweight and porous and it must ideally meet the following criteria:

  • The orchid potting media must be able to hold the plant firmly upright because plants that bob within their pots may end up with damaged roots and damaged roots are the leading cause of the plant’s inability to thrive and, in severe cases, to perish. Sometimes the media may need help in physically supporting the orchid plant and that can be accomplished with the use of stakes.
  • The orchid potting media must allow enough air to generously circulate through and around the roots. Otherwise they will atrophy, dry up, shrivel and die.
  • The orchid potting media must have the ability to absorb enough water (moisture) to sustain the plant but also to give it up so that its roots do not rot.

The following video will show you a demonstration of repotting
an orchid plant from one media to another. It’s worth your while to watch.

Orchid growers must always keep in mind that some orchid plants like more moisture than others and the size of the media pieces will determine how much water is retained and how much drains out how quickly. The larger chunks of potting media will allow more water to escape faster while the smaller chunks tend to be more retentive. So, growers are advised to familiarize themselves with the needs of their particular orchids and their species, and then to take action accordingly. Beyond that, if your orchid plants show signs of distress, chances are that their potting media is unsuitable and needs to be changed or readjusted.

Need more general or specific information about how to take care of your orchid plants and about the supplies you need? You can find it all right here at Orchid Care.org where we provide visitors with helpful tips, valuable information and links to useful resources.

Filed under: Orchid Supplies

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