Potting Medium? Fertilizer? Mounting?

[soccerdefence]

Im sure this question comes up alot, but I am so confused on potting medium! There seems to be a million different kinds and I do not know what to do. Perilite? Spagnum moss? Tree bark?
Fertilizer... the only one I found that is even on all three was 10-10-10 and it did not say it was espessially for orchids, is this ok?
Mounting, I would like to learn more about it as it seems to me everyone thinks its a better way to grow them? Thanks for all the help

[Sun rm.N.E.]

Soccer

Welcome to the dilemma most of us have faced. My first suggestion in simplifying your choices is to consider your growing conditions. For example, people who grow in a house on window sills with low humidity will often favor different growing media (usually not mounting) from those who grow in a greenhouse or terrarium with high humidity or those who grow outdoors all year. Need for fertilizer strength also depends on how much light your plants receive and what is the approximate average temperature both of these can vary greatly with the seasons.

So let us know where you grow your orchids, how are they potted now, and are they growing new roots, shoots or flowers.

[Ray]

In pretty much all aspects of orchid growing, there is an "it depends" factor, and that is certainly true of potting media selection.

Try this on for size: Choosing Potting Media

That 10-10-10 fertilizer is fine. Use it at 1 teaspoon per gallon for 3 out of 4 waterings, plain water for the 4th, and your plants will thrive.

I agree that mounting is usually inappropriate for the in-home grower.

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Try this on for size: [url=http://www.firstrays.com/potting_media.htm

Choosing Potting Media[/url]

Ray,

Excellent reference and well thought out.

CL

[Ray]

Thank you!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by soccerdefence

Mounting, I would like to learn more about it as it seems to me everyone thinks its a better way to grow them?

Not a better way, a different way. In your dry climate it might be too much for you to handle, unless the plants you want to mount like really dry followed but total soaking, followed by really dry. There are a few such as Brassavola nodosa that would work with your bright light and dry humidity. Not necessarily for the beginner though.

[cb977]

Mounting is as addictive as orchids are...if you have the right space for them and the extra time it takes to care for them.

Knowing what your orchids like will come with experience. I don't know of anybody that has stuck with the first thing they tried as far as media, fertilizers, water, lighting...

the chids will let you know when they're happy...or not

[soccerdefence]

thanks everyone for the advice and links