How to pot orchids for quick adaptation
The editor introduces the topic of how to pot orchids quickly and the methods and steps of orchid potting, and then takes everyone to understand together.
Mentioning orchids, people often think they are very difficult to grow. However, orchids have very beautiful leaves and flowers, and they also have a fragrance, making them an elegant potted flower. Many people still want to grow them. Usually, when we buy orchids online, they are sent directly with bare roots, and when bought from the market, they come with simple pots. For the orchids we buy, we need to pot them reasonably. If you want to grow orchids well, potting is the key. As long as the potting steps are operated well, followed by taking care of six small details, you will have no trouble maintaining them and can grow them without issues.
1. Root Treatment
After receiving the orchids, some of their roots may be dry or rotting. We need to treat the roots when repotting, cut off the dry and rotten roots, then soak the roots, and find some root growth promoter and mycostatin to dilute in water for soaking the roots for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the roots to absorb some moisture. The ingredients in the root growth promoter and mycostatin prevent wound decay and promote rapid root growth.
2. Planting Material Selection
When cultivating orchids at home, it is not suitable to use ordinary decayed leaf soil as in their native habitats. At home, you need to use a combination of soft granular material and some hard granular material, such as well-fermented peanut shells and tree bark, along with some small stones or ceramsite. The granules should not be too large, preferably around one centimeter, and should not exceed one centimeter. For most orchids, the three materials should be mixed in a 1:1 ratio, which allows for large gaps between particles without lacking nutrients and prevents waterlogging and root rot.
3. Planting Height
When planting orchids, the height must be controlled properly because the planting material used is very breathable. Many people leave a large water level on the surface of the pot when planting. This is unnecessary. When planting orchids, the height of the pot should be level with the bottom of the pseudobulb of the orchid. This way, after planting, the pseudobulb is exposed to the air with a small amount of roots showing, and the water on the soil surface can evaporate quickly, allowing the soil to dry and wet rapidly, thus preventing waterlogging and root rot, avoiding problems when growing orchids.
How to pot orchids for quick adaptation
4. Do Not Add Fertilizer to Planting Material
I mentioned earlier that the planting material for orchids should have good breathability. However, many people buy planting material that already contains various fertilizers, such as sheep manure slow-release fertilizer. It's best not to add fertilizer to the planting material for orchids, as the release of high concentrations of fertilizer can easily burn the old roots when there are no new roots, and the new roots may also be burned when they come into contact with fertilizer. We can fertilize through later maintenance instead of adding fertilizer directly to the soil, which can easily cause problems.
5. Planting Should Be Compact
What does "compact planting" mean? When potting orchids, always remember to first put a layer of soil at the bottom and adjust the height. After the height is suitable, fill some soil in the middle of the orchid roots, then place the orchid, and fill the soil around it. While filling the soil, frequently tap the pot wall to let the soil slowly settle, allowing the soil to fully combine with the roots. This way, when watering, there will be no gaps where roots can dry out. It's most reliable to keep the roots and soil tightly together. If the pot is too heavy and tapping does not work, you can also sway it side to side.
6. Adequate Water Permeability
After planting, water it thoroughly. Some people are accustomed to planting succulents with moist soil, but this method is not suitable for orchids. Just water thoroughly after planting, water several times while turning the pot to thoroughly moisten the soil, and use water mixed with mycostatin and root growth promoter. This way, after watering, the roots will feel the moisture in a wet but not waterlogged environment and will quickly recover and grow roots.
This is what we need to pay attention to when potting orchids. By following the steps and doing them well, the potted orchids will quickly adapt and will not rot after planting. Then, place them in a location with scattered light and good ventilation. When the soil surface is dry, water it thoroughly. Usually, within a month, they will start to recover and grow. When you see them growing, you can supplement some fertilizer and continue watering in this manner.
Above is all the content about how to pot orchids quickly and the methods and steps of orchid potting. Have green plant enthusiasts understood it?