Best substrate and soil mix for orchids, and how to make your own
·
0
Orchids grow a peculiar root system that no ordinary compost suits: their medium is mostly maritime pine bark broken down to various sizes, loosened with peat, coconut fibre, rock wool or perlite. The growth medium matters more here than for almost any other plant, and the blend that comes closest to the orchid’s native conditions is the one that makes it thrive.
Indeed, orchids develop a peculiar root system and it really deserves special care and attention.
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
A home-made mix, built on the same pine bark base
Although we recommend using special orchid soil mix purchased from specialized stores, it is still perfectly possible to make your own.
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.
Images: dreamstime: Sidorovat; own work: Rosalyn & Gaspard Lorthiois
Written by Gaspard Lorthiois | Loves helping out, especially when it comes to growing things. Worked in herbal medicine, runs a farm, and dabbles in tech. Master's degree and engineer.
