How to mix orchid planting soil
Answering netizens' questions on how to mix orchid planting soil and explaining the knowledge of green plants and flowers in orchid cultivation techniques, let's learn about it together.
Orchids have been a famous and valuable flower variety in our country since ancient times, deeply loved by people from all walks of life. However, there are not many orchid enthusiasts, as it has high requirements for the environment, and it is difficult for ordinary people to grow it well. Especially the soil used for growing orchids, known as "planting material" in the circle, is very particular. General soil is not suitable for growing orchids, only soft, breathable, and moisture-retaining planting material can grow good orchids.
The orchid planting materials sold on the market are usually quite expensive. Today, I will introduce three free orchid planting materials, hoping to help you on your orchid cultivation journey.
1. Pine bark
Many orchid enthusiasts like to collect some pine bark from the decomposed wood in the pine forest to grow orchids. The surface of the pine bark is crisscrossed with grooves, which can improve the soil's aeration when placed in a flower pot and has a significant effect on root growth. It is not only suitable for growing various orchids but is also often used for flowers like clivia and dendrobium.
The pine bark collected from the forest cannot be used directly to plant orchids and needs to be boiled in boiling water for about ten minutes. This method extracts the oil from the bark and kills bacteria and eggs. Put the boiled pine bark in a plastic bag, tie it up, and let it ferment in the sun for 2-3 months.
When the pine bark is completely fermented and turns black, it can be used to grow orchids. The proportion of pine bark in the planting material is usually 40%-60%, which can be a large part.
2. Pine needle soil
How to mix orchid planting soil
Flower markets often sell bags of pine needle soil, but they need to be purchased. If you have patience, you can also dig some pine needle soil directly from the pine forest. Remove the top layer of unfermented pine needle soil to expose the black or brown soil layer underneath, and dig an appropriate amount of soil with a small铲子.
The soil dug back contains bacteria and soil and cannot be used immediately. It should be spread out and laid in the sun to dry, for 7-10 days in summer and 10-15 days in autumn and winter. It is not recommended to dry in winter when the sun's ultraviolet rays are too weak. After the soil is dry, collect it and use it when mixing soil for orchids. The amount used is between 40%-60%.
Coal cinder
When planting orchids, many flower friends will mix some granular materials such as perlite, vermiculite, and red jade soil into the soil, which can make the soil more drainable and prevent waterlogging in the pot. Of course, these granular materials are usually purchased. If you don't want to buy them, you can actually use honeycomb coal cinder as a substitute.