How to Prepare Soil for Phalaenopsis Orchids
As an elegant representative of tropical orchids, Phalaenopsis orchids have unique requirements for their growing medium. Many gardening enthusiasts often experience root rot due to the use of conventional soil, but this epiphytic plant actually needs a special substrate environment. This article will thoroughly analyze the scientific proportion and key care points of the growing medium for Phalaenopsis orchids, helping you create an ideal environment for the growth of these orchids.
Selection Standards for Phalaenopsis Substrate
Epiphytic Characteristics and Root Structure
Phalaenopsis orchids have special spongy structures in their aerial roots that need to be exposed to air for gas exchange. Traditional soil can easily become compacted and waterlogged, leading to root suffocation and rot. A high-quality substrate should have physical properties such as a porosity of >60% and a water-holding rate of 30%-40%, which aligns with the characteristics of the epiphytic environment in tropical rainforests.
Functional Requirements of the Substrate
The ideal substrate must meet three key indicators: ① Porous aeration rate >40% ② pH value of 5.5-6.5 (weakly acidic) ③ EC value of <0.5mS/cm (low salt content). This effectively prevents the burning of roots due to salt accumulation.
Analysis and Proportion of Common Substrates
Characteristics of Core Materials
Sphagnum moss can hold up to 20 times its own weight in water but should be compressed when used; decomposed pine bark contains lignin decomposition products that provide slow-release nutrients; ceramsite can increase the porosity of the substrate, and a particle size of 8-12mm is recommended; coconut fiber needs to be desalted to avoid sodium ion damage.
The recommended golden ratio is: sphagnum moss 30% + pine bark 40% + ceramsite 20% + charcoal 10%. Increase the bark ratio to 50% in spring and autumn, and add 5% perlite in summer to enhance aeration. New growing medium should be soaked for 24 hours and sterilized with high-temperature steaming before use.
Substrate Maintenance Management System
Water Management Tips
Use the "damp-dry" method, water when the surface of the substrate turns white and the weight is reduced by 1/3. The water temperature should be consistent with the ambient temperature, and it is recommended to use rainwater or purified water. Control water to once or twice a month in winter and keep the substrate slightly moist in summer.
Judgment of Substrate Replacement Cycle
Immediate replacement is needed when the substrate becomes powdery, the pH value is >7, or the surface shows salt crystallization. The regular replacement cycle is 12-18 months, and it is recommended to perform the operation during the spring growth period of new roots, as配合修根 can enhance the plant's recovery speed.
By scientifically proportioning the substrate and combining it with meticulous management, Phalaenopsis orchids can maintain a continuous blooming period of 3-4 months. Remember to regularly test the EC value and pH of the substrate, adjust the proportioning scheme as needed, and manage dynamically in combination with the environmental temperature and humidity to allow this "fairy in the air" to display its most beautiful posture.