Can charcoal be used to grow orchids?

Can charcoal be used to grow orchids?

Charcoal can be used to grow orchids. The material of charcoal is quite special. Generally, the tiny pores on the charcoal can play a good role in water transport and ventilation. It can increase the air permeability of the orchid soil and facilitate the absorption and breathing of the roots. The trace elements it contains can also make the orchid grow better.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Charcoal Orchid Growing

Advantages: Charcoal has good adsorption properties, so it can absorb harmful gases in the soil when used. The minerals and trace elements it contains can also supplement nutrients for orchids and improve the drainage performance of the soil, thus keeping orchids away from the phenomenon of root suffocation.

Disadvantages: Charcoal has good adsorption properties and can easily absorb moisture from the soil in the pot, causing the soil to become compacted and dry. Over time, the roots of the orchid will wilt, dry up and die due to lack of water.

How to grow orchids with charcoal

1. Cleaning and soaking: Charcoal needs to be cleaned before use. It can be soaked in water for a whole day. This will reduce the alkaline substances it contains and also separate the dust and impurities.

2. Dry and add soil: The charcoal needs to be dried after soaking, then broken up and spread on the bottom of the flowerpot, and then after planting orchids, it can be used together with organic fertilizer. This way, the orchids grown will be more vigorous.