Orchid Soil Preparation Method
Introduction: This article shares experience in the aspect of orchid care regarding the method of preparing orchid soil. Let's take a look!
Orchid Soil Preparation Method
Orchids prefer slightly acidic soil. It is best to use specially formulated potting soil, also known as "orchid mud" when planting. The replacement of orchid soil depends on the situation. A mixture of 5 parts humus soil, 3 parts garden soil, and 2 parts river sand can be used. During regular maintenance, some eggshells can be added to increase nutrients. If any abnormalities are found in the orchid seedlings, or if there are significant changes in the plant's traits after many years of cultivation, making it unsuitable for orchid growth, it is necessary to repot and change the soil.
Requirements for Orchid Soil
Orchids prefer slightly acidic soil. When planting orchids, it is best to use specially formulated potting soil, also known as "orchid mud." Orchids need loose, well-draining soil with a high content of humus, which is the ecological habit formed by orchids under the litter layer in forests in ancient times.
Orchid Soil Preparation Method
Basic ingredients: humus soil, vegetable garden soil, river sand, fertilizer, ash, sawdust, coal sludge, silicate soil, black soil, moss, bone meal, sulfur powder, and various fertilizers. Different ingredients are selected and mixed in different proportions depending on the plant type. General herbaceous flower soil: 5 parts humus soil, 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand. Woody plant flower soil: a mixture of 5 types of humus soil, 4 types of garden soil, and 4 types of river sand. Seedling soil: 5 parts humus soil, 3 parts garden soil, 2 parts river sand, 2 parts humus soil, 1 part garden soil, with a small amount of fertilizer and a little sand.
Orchid Soil Care
What to Do If There Are Insects in the Orchid SoilIt is generally not recommended to use pesticides in orchid soil, as it can be harmful to the indoor environment. If there are flying insects or ants, it is because there are organic matters in the soil that attract them. It is suggested not to use self-made organic fertilizers that are not fully composted.
How Often to Change the Orchid SoilThe replacement of orchid soil depends on the situation. If abnormalities are found in the orchid seedlings, it is necessary to repot and change the soil. Generally, if the plant traits change significantly after many years of cultivation, making it unsuitable for orchid growth, it is necessary to repot and change the soil.
Can Wood Ash Be Added to Orchid SoilA small amount of wood ash can be added to orchid soil, but be careful not to use too much, as wood ash contains alkaline substances. If too much is added, it can raise the pH of the potting soil too high, and orchids prefer to grow in acidic soil. If the pH is too high, it can weaken the plant and be harmful to growth. Adding a small amount, however, has multiple benefits.
Can Eggshells Be Added to Orchid SoilEggshells can be added to orchid soil, as they are rich in calcium and minerals, which are beneficial for orchid growth. Crush the eggshells and use them after they have been composted and decomposed.
The comprehensive method of orchid soil preparation provided here aims to act as a starting point to help solve your green plant problems.