Medium Question

[rwiskavitch]

I have had all of the orchids outside these past couple of days......but not in direct sunlight. While the Miracle Grow takes a little longer to dry out the cattleyas seem to be relatively happy. My two unknown orchids are the real question........both have new growth so that is a plus.

[orchidsarefun]

The miracle gro issue seems to come up often. The company sells an orchid mix that is NOT potting soil but basically bark. There is charcoal and perlite incorporated as well.
I use it, but depending on the orchid species, incorporate sphagnum moss. You have the right idea there and need to work out the mix that your plants do best at.
Much also depends on the pot as Tucker says, unless you have the time to water more often.

[Leafmite]

Different mediums work for different people. I use lava rock with even the orchids that like more moisture (I water more often) because, for me, it is what works. I did not do well with mediums that decompose. I can believe that the miracle gro must work for many people or why else would it be sold? My only suggestion is that you might want to consider is using an aircone pot (turned upside down in the middle) or styrofoam peanuts in the middle so the middle doesn't stay wet when the medium starts to decompose. My problems always would start a few months after the repot.

[rwiskavitch]

Thanks

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

man I saw medium question and I thought we was all gonna talk to the dead

If I do put orchids in a pot I use 1/2 golf ball sized red lava rock, a little carbon(charcoal) and some coconut husks.
Teak baskets are the best...Clay pots with big slots ( scraped clean with a knife) take a close second.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Ya know. Opinions. Mother in laws.

[rwiskavitch]

I have 3 teak baskets and have a little moss tucked into the openings and the orchids seem pretty happy. When the pseudobulbs dry up is that a lack of watering or the natural die off of older parts of the plant?