How to Process Sawdust to Cultivate Orchids
An article about how to process sawdust to cultivate orchids in the field of green plants and flowers. Keep reading!
How to Process Sawdust to Cultivate Orchids
The fermentation of sawdust can be carried out using the composting method. In late spring and early summer, as the temperature gradually rises, mix sawdust (50%), horse manure (30%), and weeds (20%) and pile them for fermentation. First, dig a pit about 30 centimeters deep in a corner of the courtyard, place the mixture of sawdust, horse manure, and weeds in the pit, sprinkle a small amount of rice washing water and organic fermentation agent, and then cover it with a thin layer of soil on top.
Can Pine Sawdust Be Used to Cultivate Orchids?
Actually, using pine sawdust as a growing medium for orchids requires it to be fully fermented and decomposed. Fermented sawdust has the advantages of being loose, breathable, water-permeable, moisturizing, clean, and lightweight.
Sawdust not only contains various trace elements needed by plants but also provides a large amount of organic nutrients.
Sawdust, the fine particles of various woods, is mainly composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose are easy to rot and ferment, while lignin decomposes and rots more slowly.
Therefore, the fermentation process of sawdust is relatively long, and it will not generate a large amount of heat in a short time within the pot, burning the roots. Thus, unfermented sawdust can also be used in small amounts for potting flowering plants.
However, for perennials like orchids, fermentation and decomposition must be completed before use, which requires attention from orchid enthusiasts.
Since there are many types of wood, the pH of sawdust also varies, and the correct type must be chosen.
Generally, sawdust from hard broad-leaved trees is mostly neutral, suitable for cultivating flowers like Cymbidium, Strelitzia, and Peony that prefer neutral soil; while sawdust from pine trees is slightly acidic, suitable for cultivating perennials like orchids that prefer slightly acidic soil.
In summary, the fermentation of sawdust can be carried out using the composting method. In late spring and early summer, as the temperature gradually rises, mix sawdust (50%), horse manure (30%), and weeds (20%) and pile them for fermentation.
First, dig a pit about 30 centimeters deep in a corner of the courtyard, place the mixture of sawdust, horse manure, and weeds in the pit, sprinkle a small amount of rice washing water and organic fermentation agent, and then cover it with a thin layer of soil on top.
During the piling process, it should not be packed too tightly to allow some air to enter, which is beneficial for the activity of aerobic fungi and accelerates the decomposition of organic matter.
Also, the pile should not be too wet, as excessive moisture can produce toxic gases, causing nutrient loss and affecting the quality of the sawdust.
The above provides a comprehensive introduction to how to process sawdust to cultivate orchids, hoping to bring some relevant knowledge about green plants to green plant enthusiasts.