'Spatulata' Dendrobiums in pure charcoal

[Yéri]

Hey everyone,

I've read the "Spatulata Orchids of New Guinea" and at the end they mention Dendrobiums of the Spatulata section just love to be grown in pure charcoal.

This sounds very...unusual to me.

Is this feasable in greenhouse conditions? What are the pros and contras?

[Yéri]

Little self-bump here...feel free to move this thread to another section if needed.

I have quite a few of those that arrived through a pre-order and I'm inclined to try this out.

Any thoughts/suggestions are welcome!

[rastafouni]

I grow a species of this Section and some other Dendrobium in pure charcoal. It is not an usual media to grow orchids in Thailand.

I love pure charcoal because it is healthy : it avoids mold, who don't have the risk of overwatering and keeps just enough of moisture. The roots stick well on it too.
But you need to make sure that you have a high humidity level in your greenhouse to start cultivation in pure charcoal.

A plus,

[Yéri]

Thank you for the info. I didn't think about the humidity level, especially when I'm putting them outside during the summer.

I'll just make it equal proportions of bark/charcoal/sphag then.

[rastafouni]

Yes, growing in pure charcoal is easy and reliable but even if it keeps moisture the main factor to keep in mind is the whole humidity level.

In your case, I agree with you that mix it with other materials should be more accurate.