Repotting Orchids A Closer Look At Potting Materials
by Alan Stables
When repotting orchids, you will find a variety of media that have great qualities, but also weaknesses.
Lava rock has several advantages as a potting medium. Being inorganic, it decomposes at a slower rate than bark, moss or fern fibers. It also allows for circulation of air. In hot climates especially, organic materials can decay very quickly. The down side is that the root system of the orchid may need to adjust to a transition from bark to rock. The best time to repot is when the plant is just beginning to put out new roots. Orchids growing in lava rock may need frequent watering.
The natural setting for an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid is on a mount of some description and cork is often used. Since cork is harvested every 9 to 10 years, it is a renewable resource, but the cork from a tree's first two harvestings, referred to as virgin cork, is most suitable for orchids.
Coconut husk fiber is an open potting medium that allows for great ventilation. It can lose water relatively fast, but represents a great alternative for epiphytes growing in hanging baskets. Coconut husk chips can hold water more effectively. It is easy to manipulate and will decay at a slower rate than tree bark.
Sphagnum moss is another potting medium that comes in various grades depending on the length of the fiber. It is harvested from bogs and compresses and happens to be relatively popular with orchid sellers. Since sphagnum moss holds well the water, it may become a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. This could damage the orchids root network and ultimately harm the plant. This water retentive characteristic offers, on the other hand, a great environment to grow in for young plants or seedlings. It also mixes well with other kinds of potting media.
Charcoal is used in a variety of potting mixes, since it has the ability to filter out impurities and toxins. It also resists decay. There are however environmental concerns regarding the use of charcoal. It is created from burnt wood which destroys the integrity of tropical rain forests.
Perlite, also known as sponge rock or volcanic glass, is another ingredient that often occurs in orchid potting mixes. Perlite is sterile of diseases and other pests like insects and has a neutral PH balance. While it holds nutrients and water quite well, it also allows efficient ventilation.
T is usually to find potting mixes that feature vermiculite, a mineral silicate similar to mica. Vermiculite is quite useful for it efficiently holds moisture and important nutrients like potassium, magnesium and calcium. Such nutrients increase the orchid's capacity to bloom and its overall performance.
These are some of the materials that can be used when repotting orchids.
Alan Stables is a keen gardener, and one of his specialities is <a href="http://www.ecaringfororchids.com/">caring for orchids</a>. Given optimum environment conditions depending on the various <a href="http://www.orchidtypes.net/">orchid types</a> , the correct orchid food, and the right amount of sunlight and water, you too will be able to grow beautiful orchids in no time.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Repotting Orchids A Closer Look At Potting Materials
Author: Alan Stables
Email: info@rawskinsandhides.com
Keywords: repotting orchids,caring for orchids,growing orchids,repotting,potting,orchids,growing flowers,flowers,gardening,environment
Word Count: 457
Category: Hobbies
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