Leaf mold as a growth medium

[Don Perusse]

Vanessa, yes we are indeed!

[Ray]

Vanessa, back to an earlier question, no orchids generally do not live in compost.

The tree-dwelling epiphytes may collect a bit of leaf littler in their root mass, but their roots extend far beyond a small clump, and that mass gets aerated and rinsed frequently, and mostly washed away as it decomposes.

Paphs my be the closest thing to it, living in the leaf litter (the fresh stuff, not heavily decomposed) on the forest floor, and you'll note that their roots have hairs to open up the space around them so they can breathe.

Dried leaf litter used to be a standard medium additive thirty years ago, but that was fresh, dried leaves with no trace of decomposition.

[vmax3000]

Ray,
Paph roots....I had noticed they had a coating of hairs (like velvet), but, no, the thought never occurred to me that they were taking care of their own aeration! I had always attributed those little hairs to increased surface area...likek pillae in the intestine. Seriously, amazing. Thanks for the input.

Also, the fact that orchids grow on trees, which is not really like a pot at all, had escaped me....many intelligent thoughts do, anymore . I really appreciate the time you guys put in on this.

Although, as a scientist, I am always up for the challenge of an experiment.....