Which is more suitable for planting orchids: sphagnum moss or pine bark?
This article provides a core guide to sphagnum moss, pine bark, which is more suitable for planting orchids, and detailed experiences in the aspect of green plant maintenance for the planting materials suitable for orchids. Let's learn about them together.
Autumn is a very suitable season for planting orchids. The weather is crisp, and the temperature has dropped significantly, with an average temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature is exactly what orchids need for growth. In autumn, orchids grow the fastest, and their demand for nutrients and water also increases. Absorbing excessive nutrients in autumn allows them to bloom in winter.
The planting of orchids emphasizes the matching of planting materials. Orchids are unique and different from most plants. It is necessary to use permeable materials for planting orchids. Only with loose and well-ventilated materials will the roots grow faster, otherwise, root rot may easily occur later.
There are two types of materials available on the market for planting orchids. Some people prefer to use sphagnum moss, while others prefer pine bark. Pine forests, commonly known as pine tree bark, can both be used to plant orchids. However, orchids grown with these two materials may have some differences in growth rate. Orchids grown in sphagnum moss have fresher and more tender leaves, with higher leaf saturation.
Sphagnum moss comes in many types. Most of the sphagnum moss sold in China's market is locally produced, and the quality is relatively low. If you want to use sphagnum moss for planting orchids, it is best to choose imported ones. Imported sphagnum moss is in thin strips, which works well and is less likely to cause root rot.
Sphagnum moss or pine bark, which is more suitable for planting orchids?
Pine bark can also be used to plant orchids, but when using pine bark, it needs to be combined with other materials, such as pumice, or stone, or large-particle volcanic rock. Without the addition of particles, the permeability will be poor and may cause root rot. I recommend using pine bark, which has better permeability and a relatively lower chance of root rot.
When using pine bark, it must be disinfected and sterilized. Pine bark contains a lot of germs and eggs. It can either be soaked in hot water or left in the sunlight for a week. Soaking in hot water is the most practical method, effectively killing germs and eggs and creating a clean environment for the growth of orchids.
The application of pine bark is higher, including in many orchid cultivation greenhouses, pine bark is used because it is cheaper than imported sphagnum moss. Moreover, pine bark is locally produced in China, making it more convenient to use, saving costs, and creating higher profits.
There are many ways to spend money, the key is to choose what suits you. Both sphagnum moss and pine bark can be used, but the key is to use them properly during the process. Pay attention to watering and sterilization when maintaining orchids, and there won't be too many problems. Overall, orchids are relatively easy to care for.
There is one point to note when growing orchids in autumn: appropriately add slow-release fertilizer granules to supplement nutrients and promote growth and blooming.
The above introduction by the Green Plant Enthusiast Network on sphagnum moss, pine bark, which is more suitable for planting orchids, and detailed introduction of the planting materials suitable for orchids, hopes to bring some knowledge of flowers to green plant enthusiasts.