New here! Quick question

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by Mr Cattleya

GM!
Another question.
What type of medium would give a beginner like me the greatest chance of success to grow orchids? From what I've read it depends on a number of variables. Just checking to see if one is more widely used than others. Again thanks in advance.

I see that you are in Georgia, are you planning on growing it outdoors most of the year?

[Mr Cattleya]

Originally Posted by SaraJean

I see that you are in Georgia, are you planning on growing it outdoors most of the year?

I plan on growing outdoors during the summer months and indoors during winter.

[estación seca]

Well, you've noticed most people grow Cattleyas in bark. It's often hard to find decent bark unless you mail-order. Bark should have pieces all about the same size, so there are nice air spaces in the pot. People tend to use smaller-chunk bark for seedlings, which should not really dry out completely, and very large-chunk bark for adults, which usually should dry out between watering.

Other people use fired clay particles (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate or LECA) you can buy at hydroponics shops.

Some people use volcanic lava cinders. These are probably not common in Georgia, which does not have a volcanic geology.

The LECA and cinders don't break down and become mushy, so you only need to repot when the plant outgrows the pot. However, bark growers aim to repot every 2 years anyway, when the plant outgrows the pot, which is when bark usually begins breaking down.

I think it will depend on your lifestyle. I know I don't have the time to repot lots of plant only because the bark is breaking down, so I'm growing mostly in LECA. But I'm also going to look into using volcanic cinders, since Arizona is a volcanic-geology state.

[No-Pro-mwa]

For the record, I use bark mix on most of mine. I did get a bag of orchiata but have not decided if it is better or about the same. Time will tell. I do have to buy it on line like es say's. I get mine from Kellys Korner.

[Mr Cattleya]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Well, you've noticed most people grow Cattleyas in bark. It's often hard to find decent bark unless you mail-order. Bark should have pieces all about the same size, so there are nice air spaces in the pot. People tend to use smaller-chunk bark for seedlings, which should not really dry out completely, and very large-chunk bark for adults, which usually should dry out between watering.

Other people use fired clay particles (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate or LECA) you can buy at hydroponics shops.

Some people use volcanic lava cinders. These are probably not common in Georgia, which does not have a volcanic geology.

The LECA and cinders don't break down and become mushy, so you only need to repot when the plant outgrows the pot. However, bark growers aim to repot every 2 years anyway, when the plant outgrows the pot, which is when bark usually begins breaking down.

I think it will depend on your lifestyle. I know I don't have the time to repot lots of plant only because the bark is breaking down, so I'm growing mostly in LECA. But I'm also going to look into using volcanic cinders, since Arizona is a volcanic-geology state.

Thank you!!! I like the LECA idea

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 AM ----------

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

For the record, I use bark mix on most of mine. I did get a bag of orchiata but have not decided if it is better or about the same. Time will tell. I do have to buy it on line like es say's. I get mine from Kellys Korner.

Thank you!!!

[Cheddarbob14]

You could find yourself going down the rabbit hole with that last question....so many variables, but what ithink it really comes down to is personal preference, according to respective growing conditions. Just promise us all that you won't "just add ice" for watering lol. You will probably get a few more informational responses to "what medium" to use, none of which will be wrong. You can never go wrong with a good quality bark.

[estación seca]

Your summers outside are great for a lot of orchids, if you can prevent them from getting eaten. Gardeners need to think first of how they'll get plants through the worst time of year from the plant's perspective. Mounting plus indoor heated winters plus job is often a challenge.