What kind of soil is used for planting orchids
A comprehensive analysis of the soil used for planting orchids is provided here, with detailed answers to follow.
What kind of soil is used for planting orchids
Fertile soil is preferred by most plants, and orchids are no exception. If the soil for planting orchids is collected from the natural environment, it is best to use humus soil under broad-leaved forests and pine needle soil under pine forests. If mixed by oneself, humus soil, garden soil, and sandy soil can be mixed in a ratio of 6:3:1 to make the nutrients more balanced.
The premise of raising orchids is to have healthy roots. The roots of orchids are directly related to the planting material, so the quality of the planting material directly affects the health of the root system.
Firstly, the aerial roots must have a planting material with good breathability, allowing the roots to be in a free-breathing environment throughout the year. This is what we often say about the planting material needing to be loose and breathable. Of course, there are other requirements, so let's specifically understand what kind of soil orchids should be planted in.
一、FertileFertile soil is preferred by most plants, and orchids are no exception. After all, the soil environment is the foundation of plant survival, and whether it is fertile or not directly affects the nutritional supply and the later growth quality of the plant.
Orchids have a strong adaptability and can tolerate poor soil. However, fertile soil can help the plant grow better and bloom more profusely. Therefore, when planting orchids, a fertile soil with balanced nutrients is best.
Such as well-cultivated garden soil, pine needle soil under pine forests, humus soil under broad-leaved forests, and rock nest soil, etc.
二、LooseOrchids have succulent roots with strong water storage capacity and a large root system.
Therefore, when choosing soil, it is generally preferable to use soil that is loose, breathable, and has good drainage. However, due to the difference in precipitation and climate between the north and south, the choice of soil for orchids will also vary slightly.
Soil choice for northern orchids
The climate in the north is dry and less rainy, with large temperature differences between day and night. Therefore, when choosing soil for orchids, it is best to use soil that is slightly sticky and has good water storage capacity while maintaining the necessary looseness.
This can ensure the necessary permeability and also has good insulation and cold protection functions, eliminating the need for frequent watering.
Of course, one can also use loose soil as the main potting soil and then cover the surface with moss that has strong water storage capacity.
Soil choice for southern orchids
The climate in the south is warm and humid, with abundant rainfall. Combined with the large and good water storage function of the succulent roots of orchids, the choice of orchid soil should be as loose as possible to maintain good breathability and permeability and avoid waterlogging and root rot.
三、Rich in humus organic fertilizerIn addition to maintaining basic fertility, orchid soil is best rich in humus. This is also the key reason why it prefers to grow in broad-leaved open forests and pine needle forests.
There, due to the change of seasons, fallen leaves and dead branches accumulate and decompose year after year, eventually becoming a rich humus land. It can be said: "A naturally perfect place!"
四、Slightly acidic soilAlthough orchids have a strong adaptability and do not have high requirements for soil, they prefer slightly acidic soil according to their growth habits. Therefore, when choosing orchid soil, it is best to use slightly acidic soil rich in humus.
The above is a comprehensive introduction to the soil used for planting orchids, hoping to bring some knowledge about green plants to green plant enthusiasts.