Best substrate and soil mix for orchids, and how to make your own

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Orchids are surely the plants for which the growth medium is most critical to the plant’s thriving.

Indeed, orchids develop a peculiar root system and it really deserves special care and attention.

→Also: soil mix from house scraps

What is orchid soil mix prepared from?

• Most of the matter comes from maritime pine bark, broken down to various sizes.
• You’ll also find peat, coconut fibers, rock wool or perlite.

What is the best substrate?

• Each orchid has different needs.
• The blend that will suit it best is the one that best matches the growing conditions in its native environment.
• However, since there are a great many varieties, it’s impossible to recreate as many different soil mix substrates. In the end, the best option is to use special “orchid” mix, available in any horticulture store.
• You can also prepare your own mix from easy-to-gather ingredients.

DIY orchid substrate

• Although we recommend using special orchid soil mix purchased from specialized stores, it is still perfectly possible to make your own.
• The base material is the same: pine bark mulch.
• After that, you’ll be learning from the plant and from experience, adding several or all of the following: coconut fiber, peat, perlite, rock wool, etc…)
  Mix them in varying proportions, and as time goes by you’ll find the perfect mix for your orchid.

Learn more about orchids:

• Proper care for an orchid with an example: Phalaenopsis
• Repotting orchids
• How to water an orchid in a pot?