Orchids are stunning and delicate flowers, but they can be difficult to grow because they are temperamental by nature. They require a loose potting material to grow properly and stay upright. Premixed orchid potting mixes are available, but you can make your own if you want to save money and customize the mix to your watering habits. Once you understand the basic idea, you can re-create it in any amount you like to keep it on hand or plant several orchids with one batch of potting mix.
Mixtures
If you prefer to mix a few potting media types, use charcoal, fir bark, and peat moss. All three are loose materials that will allow for a very small amount of water storage for the orchid, but mainly they will hold the plant in place without "packing" it in too tightly. Use 1 cup each of medium-grade charcoal and peat moss, mixed with 6 cups of fir bark. Mix the materials loosely by hand, then gently pour them into the pot. Do not pack the materials down around the plant. Place them so they hold the plant steady.
Single Material Potting Media
Several types of potting media work well for orchids. The difference between them is water retention. If you often forget to water your plants, or if you worry about dryness, use peat moss or fir bark chips because they hold more moisture than other potting media. If you are more worried about overwatering than drying, use a medium like clay pellets or rock wool because they dry quickly and will keep excess water away from the plant. If you are not worried about either overwatering or underwatering, use any potting mixtures you choose. Try a few and see which one you like best.
The most common mediums for orchids, besides those already listed, are fir bark chips, redwood bark chips, osmunda fiber, tree fern fiber, coconut fiber, coconut chips, sifted perlite, granular charcoal, and cork. Use any combination of these media, or use them individually. The main goals for potting orchids are proper irrigation, water retention control, and support.
Source: ehow.com
Links
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin