Miracle Grow Orchid Mix - Orchid Board

Domino · #1 10-20-2010, 02:55 PM

Does anyone have any reviews on this orchid mix?

Miracle-Gro Orchid Potting Mix - Scotts Miracle-Gro

Kaykay · #2 10-20-2010, 03:05 PM

It depends entirely on what sort of orchid you want to use it for! People will tell you a line of disaster stories for when it's been used for Phals (mainly). I've used it for seedling Catts very successfully (but would't use it for more mature ones). I've also had good results using it in a mix with other things for various other orchids.
The key is absolutely not to believe it when it says 'suitable for all kinds of orchids' no potting medium could possibly claim that!
Hope that helps!
Kay

stefpix · #3 10-20-2010, 03:26 PM

too much potting soil in it for epyphites. But good for terrestrial houseplants

Domino · #4 10-20-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaykay

People will tell you a line of disaster stories for when it's been used for Phals (mainly).

How convenient...I have my phals in it

Zoi2 · #5 10-20-2010, 04:05 PM

It is not a light breathable mix, it compacts and can smother the roots. Can you add some styrofoam peanuts in your pots?
Joann

Domino · #6 10-20-2010, 04:09 PM

I'm sure I could. I am thinking I need to repot them anyway so I was debating on if I should use up the rest of what I have of this mix or if I should just get something new.

JeffreyGreen17 · #7 10-20-2010, 05:36 PM

i have one of my phals in this type of mix, its doing fine but i also have Styrofoam pellets in it too, also since its mostly dirt be more weary of the moisture content of your orchids.

Royal · #8 10-20-2010, 06:42 PM

I tried it once and didn't like it. I don't like Shultz either. Of all brands available at big box stores, Better-Gro worked best for me.

CTB · #9 10-20-2010, 08:17 PM

It seems to have actual dirt in it, would not use it. My retailer says Miracle Grow actually has a certain amount of fertilizers already in it. I think Better-Gro is better.

bullsie · #10 10-20-2010, 08:56 PM

I like Miracle-Gro for my terrestrial orchids. Better-Gro I've used but I 'doctored' it up to suit my needs. I had great success with Schultz for Catts. I have Catts in it still.

When I first tried M-G on several epiphytic orchids when I went to water the water just pooled. And when it did go through, I'd pour maybe two cups of water in a 4" pot and get a tablespoon of drainage. I repotted immediately.

As pointed out earlier, potting mix needs to suit not just the plant but your conditions that you grow your plants in. You may need to experiment a little to find what works for your collection - which may be a variety of mediums.