How To Prepare The Soil For Orchid Plants



Posted: Thursday, April 24, 2008

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Orchids are considered to be a unique and beautiful plant. But it comes to a surprise for many that orchids do not grown in soil.

Epiphytes are orchids that cling to trees, supporting themselves on the bark. They receive all the water they need when rain water runs or drips down the tree. Other nutrients they receive from the air.

Lithophytes are a variety of orchids that grow on rocks. Saprophytes grow in leaf litter, and terrestrials are found growing in sand.

Orchids, like other plants, prefer certain conditions when growing in the wild. This is the information you need to know in order to grow them in your greenhouse. By knowing what natural conditions they thrive in, you can successfully simulate the environment at home.

It is easy to maintain a setting similar to their natural habitat for orchids. Almost anyone can throw together some lava rocks or fir bark chips. Most orchids only need small amounts of water at regular intervals. Allow enough time between watering for them to dry. Drainage should not be a problem with the loosely packed growing medium.

Your orchids should be re-potted every two or three years. Not only will they begin to outgrow their pots, but the material that they grow in will usually begin to break down as well. This is due to too much water or insect activity. If your plant's roots are beginning to grow over the side of the pot, it's time to replant.

The good news is that re-potting these types of plants is much easier than those grown in soil. However, great care should be taken no matter what type of plant you're dealing with. This step should only be done when the plant is at its most dormant stage. An example would be early Spring, before the most growth takes place.

Carefully remove the plant from the pot and remove any remaining material clinging to the roots. To give the plant the best chance of surviving in it's new pot, clip off any damaged or unhealthy looking roots.

Many times this move will be made to a larger pot. Refill the pot with the proper growing media, whether it's bark, lava rocks or something else. There is also a special orchid sphagnum moss that works quite well for some types. Clear a place to insert your plant and refill up to the crown (rhizome).

If necessary, support the plant with a stake. Only use this method temporarily, until the plant is able to grow freely without falling over.

Always remember that the orchid will get most of it's nutrients from the air and water instead of the growing media. Make sure you provide proper airflow.

The size of the chips will greatly effect the amount of air that reaches the roots. Make sure you have the right potting material for your specific plant. When the plant begins to grow new leaves, you can fertilize with a small amount of 18-18-18.

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Moses Wright enjoys working in his garden. He provides more tips and guide on orchid care tips and common orchid diseases symptom on his site.
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