Techniques for Using Soil to Cultivate Orchids
As a traditional famous flower in China, the cultivation of orchids focuses on the care of the root system, and the selection of planting materials directly determines the health of the roots. This article will systematically analyze the key techniques for using soil in orchid cultivation, from the proportion of planting materials to the improvement of peat soil, to help you create an ideal growing environment that is both breathable and nutrient-retaining.
Golden Proportion Rules for Orchid Planting Materials
Particle Grading and Layering Technique
Using a 3-layer grading method: the bottom layer is filled with ceramic balls or volcanic stones with a diameter of 3-5 cm to form a drainage layer; the middle layer is mixed with pine bark particles and perlite of 1-2 cm in size; the top layer uses 0.5 cm fine particle planting stones. This structure increases the soil's permeability by 40%, and experimental data shows it can reduce the probability of root rot by 50%.
Dynamic Proportion of Soft and Hard Planting Materials
The proportion of soft planting materials (decomposed pine needles, coconut bran) and hard planting materials (red jade soil, planting stones) needs to be adjusted in stages: using a 7:3 ratio during the seedling stage to keep it moist, changing to 5:5 during the mature plant stage to enhance aeration, and adjusting to 6:4 during the bud formation stage to balance water and nutrition. Note that new planting materials need to be replaced every year to supplement organic matter.
Key Indicators for Humidity Adjustment
Adding 3% bamboo charcoal particles can adjust the water content of the planting materials, keeping the matrix humidity stable at the ideal range of 45-60%. It is recommended to check with a moisture meter monthly and supply water using the intermittent immersion pot method.
Peat Soil Improvement Application Plan
Peat soil requires three-step treatment: ① sun-sterilize for 3 days and then sieve to remove dust; ② mix red jade soil and vermiculite in a 1:1:0.5 ratio; ③ add 5% bone meal to supplement calcium. The EC value of the improved matrix should be controlled at 0.8-1.2 mS/cm, with a pH value of 5.5-6.5 being the most suitable for orchid growth.
Special Variety Matching Plan
For the spring orchid variety, increase 30% pine scales to enhance water retention; for the black orchid variety, mix in 15% broken brick particles to enhance drainage; for thejian orchid variety, it is recommended to add 5% decomposed sheep manure to enhance fertility. Regularly observing the luster of the leaves can determine the suitability of the matrix, with leaf tip burn indicating the need to adjust the ratio.
Scientific soil mixing is the foundation of orchid cultivation. Mastering the three major techniques of particle grading, dynamic proportioning, and matrix improvement, combined with regular observation and adjustment, can create a stable and healthy root environment. It is recommended to update the planting materials every two years in conjunction with division, to ensure continuous robust growth of the orchids.