Charged Charcoal for orchids?

[Nicolasdperez]

Recently, I have been using charcoal a lot for my backyard garden and have been seeing huge successes. Since charcoal is so porous it has the ability to provide a "home" for thousands and thousands of microorganisms. I have been making my own charcoal and then letting it ferment in a combination of flour, compost, molasses, fish emulsion, etc. to let microorganisms congregate within the charcoal. I know charcoal is often used for orchids, however I have not heard of anyone using "charged" charcoal. Would this be beneficial to orchids? Since they are much more sensitive than what is in my garden, I am unsure if this will bring about success or unwanted issues. Does anyone have experience with this?

[Roberta]

I would really doubt that the "nutrient rich" material would be good for most orchids - Remember, most orchids are epiphytes, evolved to thrive in a very nutrient-poor environment. We put them in pots to provide a level of moisture that they need in our non-tropical environment, but they need - and want - very little from the substrate. That uncontrolled (you really don't know what's there or in what quantity) mix is likely 'way too "hot" for orchids.

[Nicolasdperez]

Thank you so much for your help. That makes a lot of sense. Have a good day

[Ray]

On the other hand, if the charcoal was "charged" with microbes known to be beneficial, it might add to its value.

Have you considered a soak in a plant probiotic formulation?

[Nicolasdperez]

Yes, I was thinking that most epiphytes likely come into contact with beneficial microorganisms on trees. However, I am largely unaware of which are harmful/beneficial. I have not used any plant probiotics yet. Any ideas or suggestions?

[Ray]

Any plant probiotic will be beneficial. I carry Quantum-Total as it is fairly broad-spectrum (the more species, the better), and has microbes that fix nitrogen and photosynthesize, making food and fuel right from within the plants, reducing their expenditure of resources to do so.

[Nicolasdperez]

Thank you; I will definitely try this out.