Discovering the Perfect Pots and Potting Mixes for your Orchids – It’s Really No Secret At All!

 
I am sure you have been to one of the many orchid growers. They have orchids in pots that are not only healthy but also fragrant and full of color. When you get home you see that your orchids are so not what they should be! They look quit underfed and small.

You can’t do anything but question, “Where have I gone wrong with my orchids?

The success of producing healthy orchids is a delicate balancing act involving the size and type of pot you are using along with what type potting mixture.

Does this appear difficult? Well it is not! The truth is it is not unlike the care of any kind of plant you have.

The pot is where to start!

The choices you have are mind-boggling. That is probably how you feel when you start looking at the garden shops or maybe on the Internet. It is so true though. But the fact that you are using them specifically for orchids will narrow the perimeters of your search.

Lets just over here and look at these pots here in the store. These are made from plastic. It is not only light in weight but also has a good drain setup. These types of pots are ideal for indoor use. But for outdoors they are way too light and could fall over if a storm or wind comes up.

Also look for a light colored pot in this selection. It will not draw the heat too much from the sunlight compared to dark pots. The most ideal pot is a clear one though. Do you wonder why? This is due to the fact that the roots can receive more light.

Down another aisle in the store you see the clay pots. This weighs considerably more than the plastic ones. This makes them much less likely to turn over outside especially. These usually only have one hole for a drain in the bottom. (Many may have more than one hole on the sides too.) These clay-planting pots are miraculous when it comes to preventing the soil or planting mixture from retaining too much water.

Now in another part of this garden store you will see an orchid pot that is a basket. These are very well suited to orchids having pendant blooms. They are also excellent for containing orchids that like to sprawl and are rooted heavily. People have created these pots out of wire, pottery, or wood for you to conveniently buy. These are so beneficial to the orchids because they let the air flow through the roots and planting mixture.

Root bound?

You may be thinking that you need to hurry and replant your orchid if it is root bound. Slow down, don't do it yet! Several orchid varieties love these conditions and grow well in them. It is due to the orchid’s heavy root system that it blooms so beautifully.

This is why the people who have expertise in orchid growing advise you to under pot your orchids to have them produce more blooms. But the pot size should allow for enough airflow around the roots. Do not re pot your orchids any more often that they actually require. Only re pot orchids after they have grown in the same pot for 2 – 3 years. You will fine that some of the varieties never need to be re potted.

Here is some information on potting mixtures.

Now I have my orchid and have decided which pot to use. I am now wondering which potting mixture is the right one.

Please do not just fill up your pot with dirt from the backyard. The right mixture for growing gorgeous orchids is a mix of inorganic and organic material. These mixtures are available in 3 grades: coarse, medium and fine. You can buy these mixtures in either form of inorganic or organic. There are even mixtures that combine both organic and inorganic to get the right conditions.

What choices are available in an organic mix?

· Fir Bark: This is quite convenient to buy and not too pricey too. One good thing          about it is that it is slow on decomposing. It takes a bit or work to get it wet when      you first put water on it.

· Coconut Husks: This may be the #1 pick for many orchid enthusiasts. It is not only     priced favorably but also retains water well and is lightweight. Remember though         that this substance does decompose rather quickly compared to other substances.

· Redwood Bark: This has similar qualities to the Fir Bark. It too composes slowly but   it holds water a bit better.

· Tree Fern Fiber: This is a very rare fiber and you will be lucky if you can even locate   any. But it truly drains excellently and is slow to decompose.

· Sphagnum Moss: this is great for a perfect balance of air and water retention. You     have to know though that this should not be packed too solidly.

 
Some of the better inorganic mixes include:

 
· Charcoal: This is a good due to the fact of its ability to absorb toxins. It also decomposes at a slow rate.

· Alifor: This is made up of small pieces of clay it drains well and does not decompose.

· Turface: This can be used the same as pearlite but it is heavy and expensive.

· Vermiculite: This mix is excellent for the fact that it retains water good and increase airflow to the root system.

· Lava Rock: This mix is great for the fact that it does not decompose and drains well this is 2 things that orchids need. You need to be aware that it is heavy.

· Pearlite: It is not only lightweight but is resistant to decomposing. It has a good water absorption quality too.

You don’t have to use just one type mix though. You have a pretty good idea what will and will not work for your orchids. You can make your own mixture by combing these listed ingredients.

 
Doesn’t your lovely orchids merit the very best quality of care you can lavish on them?