Leaf mold as a growth medium

[vmax3000]

Would this be a good medium for Paphs? I would love to know if anyone has tried it and what their results have been....good and bad

Would it be good mixed in with other potting concoctions? I have a mess of it from my mostly ripe compost heap/vermiculture pile (ton's o' active earth worms!). I was out in it yesterday, so this may be the idea of a sun baked, over worked brain of a dazed orchid grower.....
Thanks.

[Ross]

I wouldn't do it unless you oven sterilize it first. (And that will stink - my dad used to do it.) Too many critters will be introduced.

[vmax3000]

Ross,
Bacterial or copraphores? Aren't epiphytic orchids mostly compost growers, anyway?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by vmax3000

Ross,
Bacterial or copraphores? Aren't epiphytic orchids mostly compost growers, anyway?

Almost anything can reside in untreated leaf mold. In nature, these guys grow in similar medium along streambanks, etc. But in nature, if a plant secumbs to mold and/or critters who notices? If yours does, you'll notice it. For me, I would never go out and dig something up, then subject my orchids to it. I paid too much for the plants to risk damage from spores, bugs, molds, etc. Again, just my opinion.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You want leaf mold. Make it yourself.

Go to your garden, pick out healthy leaves of the trees or shrubs you could afford to trim, clean and treat, then cut them up into small pieces. Mix into an organic potting soil. Add a dash of mycorhizzal fungus, and you've concocted your way of growing Paphs. Enjoy.

I grow my Eulophias this way.

[DebsC]

I tried it early on in my paph 'career'. I had no problems and the paphs grew well and seemed to like the mix.

But now, I'd hesitate. My paphs grow well in the medium they are currently in and they are much more expensive than the first ones I grew. I'd hate to experiment with their little lives.

However, if you can treat for bacteria and bugs, why not?

[vmax3000]

Maybe I'll stick with using it on my trees and shrubs where the bacteria and bugs won't overtake anything... I was wondering if "sterilization" couldn't be as simple as spreading the material on a tarp in the sun for 15 minutes or more. I remember from my microbiology course that sun (specifically the UV portion of the spectrum) for 15 minutes killed the pathogenic nasties. I was thinking of ways to make my "investments" in medias go further....so, I'm thrifty !

[Leisurely]

I use to purchase oak leaf mold as an additive to my cactus mix. It came in a 1/4 cu. bag and was sterilized and finely chopped. The orchid cactus (epiphyllums) loved it.

I have also used nothing but slightly broken down oak leaf mold to plant Epidendrum radicans. They loved it and grew like weeds; however they grow like weeds anyhow.

Experiment with one plant. Sterilize enough leaf mold to pot one plant by putting it in the microwave, add a sprinkle of lime and see what happens. Paphs grow in leaf mold in their native habitat and it may work great for a potted plant.

[Don Perusse]

I agree with Ross. No way would I subject my collection on an experiment to save a few bucks. Keep in mind that the "Native Beauties" have been acclimated for years of reproducing in their environment. Most of what we purchase today are hybrids and have been raised in near sterile conditions for optimal growth. Why do they suggest we sterilize our tools between cutting plants, or to make sure we thoroughly clean pots etc. before re-using. I won't even introduce a new orchid to my collection until I am sure it is free of bugs, disease....I value all the time, effort and money I have invested in my collection to have it infected with something or another. Experimenting is fine but away from all the other orchids you have. JUST MY OPINION!

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

I agree with Ross. No way would I subject my collection on an experiment to save a few bucks. Keep in mind that the "Native Beauties" have been acclimated for years of reproducing in their environment. Most of what we purchase today are hybrids and have been raised in near sterile conditions for optimal growth. Why do they suggest we sterilize our tools between cutting plants, or to make sure we thoroughly clean pots etc. before re-using. I won't even introduce a new orchid to my collection until I am sure it is free of bugs, disease....I value all the time, effort and money I have invested in my collection to have it infected with something or another. Experimenting is fine but away from all the other orchids you have. JUST MY OPINION!

Ok guys....good points all. Since I don't have a spare microwave (wouldn't the kitchen smell nice ), I will stick to using my partially ripened compost (oak leaf mold) on the yard plants and leave the orchids out of it. I ordered some coco husk. Be proud of me !!