What kind of soil is used to grow orchids (what is the best soil formula for potted orchids)

The prerequisite for growing orchids is to take good care of the roots. The orchid roots are the part that has direct relationship with the planting materials, so the quality of the planting materials directly affects the health of the root system.

First of all, aerial roots must have a good permeable planting material, so that the roots can be in a free breathing environment all year round. This is what we often say that the planting material should be loose and breathable. Of course, in addition to looseness and breathability, there are other requirements. Let's take a closer look at what soil to use for orchid planting.

1. Fertile

Fertile soil is what most plants like, and orchids are no exception. After all, the soil environment is the foundation for plant survival, and whether it is fertile or not directly affects the plant's nutritional supply and the quality of its later growth.

Orchids are highly adaptable and can tolerate poor soil. However, fertile soil can help the plants grow better and bloom more. Therefore, when planting orchids, it is best to plant fertile soil with a more balanced nutrition.

Such as cultivated farmland soil, pine needle soil under pine forest, humus soil under broad-leaved forest, rock mud, etc.

2. Loose

Orchids have fleshy roots, strong water storage capacity, and a large root system.

Therefore, in terms of soil selection, loose, breathable, and well-drained soil is generally preferred. However, due to the differences in precipitation and climate between the north and south, the choice of orchid soil will also be slightly different.

(1) Selection of soil for orchids in the north

The climate in the north is dry and rainy, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Therefore, when choosing orchid soil, it is best to choose soil that is slightly sticky and has good water storage performance while maintaining the necessary looseness.

In this way, it can not only ensure the necessary permeability, but also have good heat preservation and cold protection functions, and avoid the pain of frequent watering.

Of course, you can also use loose soil as the main potting soil, and then cover the surface of the potting soil with moss with strong water storage capacity.

(2) Selection of soil for orchids in the south

The climate in the south is warm and humid, with abundant rainfall. In addition, the fleshy roots of orchids are large and have good water storage function. Therefore, it is best to keep the orchid soil as loose as possible, so that it has good looseness and permeability to avoid water accumulation and root rot.

3. Organic fertilizer rich in humus

In addition to maintaining basic fertility, orchid soil is best suited to soil rich in humus, which is why it likes to grow in broad-leaved woodlands and under pine needle forests.

As the seasons change, fallen leaves and dead branches accumulate, accumulate, and rot year after year. Eventually, they become a fertile land rich in humus. It can be said to be a "good place made in heaven"!

4. Slightly acidic soil

Although orchids are highly adaptable and do not have high requirements for soil, they prefer slightly acidic soil based on their growth habits. Therefore, when choosing orchid soil, it is best to choose slightly acidic soil rich in humus.