What kind of soil do orchids need?

1. Soil conditions

The substrate for growing orchids is usually called planting material, which can be soft or hard. The choice of planting materials varies according to different regions and climates. Soft planting materials are mainly leaf mold, perlite, and peat soil. This type of planting material is highly nutritious and has strong water retention capacity, but the roots can easily rot if the amount of water is not well controlled. Hard planting materials are mainly pine bark, coconut shells, peanut shells, etc. This type of planting material has good drainage ability, but fertilizer is also easily lost. Usually hard planting materials are chosen in hot and rainy areas, while soft planting materials are chosen in dry and cold areas.

2. Pot soil preparation

1. Soft planting materials: Soft planting materials mainly include leaf mold, perlite, peat soil and so on. When preparing the soil, leaf mold is used as the main ingredient, and peat soil and sand are also added. The ratio of the three is about 6:3:1. After fully mixing, you can add a little organic fertilizer as base fertilizer to supplement nutrition for orchids.

2. Hard planting materials: Hard planting materials mainly include pine bark, fairy soil, planting stone, orchid stone and so on. Among them, pine bark accounts for a relatively high proportion, usually between 40% and 60%, and fairy soil and planting gold stone can be added in equal amounts. If it is a weak seedling, use less bark and more fairy soil and planting stone.

3. Notes

1. Planting material selection: The climate in the south is relatively humid, and there is more rain, so it is advisable to use hard planting materials with better drainage. The north is relatively dry and the winter is colder, so you can choose soft planting materials that retain water and heat.

2. Difference in watering: Soft planting materials have strong drainage properties, so watering is required more frequently, usually once every two days. Hard planting materials have good water retention capacity, so watering should not be too frequent, otherwise the roots will easily be submerged. Generally, watering once every 5 days is sufficient.