What Soil Does Orchid Prefer
As a traditional famous flower in China, orchids have unique requirements for the growing medium. The soil environment directly affects the root development and nutrient absorption of orchids, and choosing the right growing medium is the key to successful orchid cultivation. This article will comprehensively analyze the soil needs of orchids from acidity and alkalinity characteristics to soil mixing techniques.
Essential Elements of Orchid Soil
Soil Acidity and Alkalinity Requirements
Orchids are typical acid-loving plants, thriving in a slightly acidic environment with an optimal pH value of 5.5-6.5. Experimental data shows that when the soil pH is greater than 7, the root absorption capacity decreases by more than 40%, resulting in yellowing leaves and停滞 of new buds. It is recommended to test the acidity and alkalinity of the medium with pH test strips every quarter, and add pine needle soil for adjustment if alkalization signs are detected.
Physical Structure Standards
High-quality orchid soil should have both breathability and water retention: 1. Porosity should reach 30%-40% 2. Water retention time should be controlled between 3-5 days 3. Bulk density < 0.8g/cm³. The structure can be improved by adding granular materials such as bark and volcanic rock.
Orchid Soil Mixing Solutions
Classic Formula One
Decomposed leaf soil 6 parts + mountain base soil 2 parts + red soil 2 parts, this proportion has a humus content of 60%, especially suitable for varieties such as spring orchids and Huì orchids. Sieve the mixture to remove impurities and use after steam sterilization.
Improved Formula Two
Garden soil 2 parts + park soil 3 parts + decomposed leaf soil 5 parts, a stable formula suitable for beginners. Adding 5% charcoal chips can enhance the fungicidal effect and prevent root rot disease.
Advanced Formula Three
Sandy soil 4 parts + decomposed leaf soil 7 parts, with a water permeability coefficient of 0.8cm/s, recommended to be used with ceramic pots. Mix in 3% bone meal to supplement phosphorus and promote bud differentiation.
Key Points for Orchid Soil Maintenance
New soil needs to be replaced every spring, and old soil can be reused after high-temperature treatment. In daily maintenance, watering with fermented rice washing water monthly can maintain soil acidity. When the medium becomes compacted, it should be loosened promptly and improved with perlite.
Understanding the soil characteristics of orchids is the foundation of successful cultivation. Through scientific soil mixing and regular maintenance, a suitable microenvironment for root development can be created, allowing orchids to maintain vigorous vitality and elegant blooms.