How many different potting mixes do I need?

[plantluvver]

I have not repotted any of my orchids, and I need to start doing that. Right now, I have a one gallon Cymbidium trying to burst it's pot, an overgrown Oncidium that needs to move up and an Odontocidium these two are in 3 or 4 inch pots right now.

I am assuming that it is much cheaper to buy local ingredients and make up my own mix than to buy mix mail order.

I also have a few Phals.

To complicate things, I just bought a blooming Paph., Miltononopsis, and Goodlera. I haven't even looked to see what they are planted in.

I am hoping to attend a local orchid society meeting soon, but I am thinking I want to repot as soon as possible, because I want the plant to adjust before it becomes cold out. \

I think I read that spring is the normal time for repotting, but I don't think I should let these wait until spring. I will try to take some pics tomorrow in the daylight.

[plantluvver]

I called one nursery today, and they said they have an Orchid Mix by Black Gold for 6.99 for 12 quarts. they also have E.B. Stone Orchid Mix 1.5 cubic feet for 8.99. If anyone has experience with these mixes, I would like to know what your opinions are.

[RosieC]

Sorry I can't help on those particular mixes.

I would advise fine and medium bark, possibly small or medium CHC although I'm going off that slightly. Perlite is good to have and put in some mixes. I also like moss for some orchids (but not at all for others) so it depends what you are growing (Plurothalid Alliance are the ones I put in moss). For Cyms I bought a pre-made Cym mix. It tends to have pieces that range from large to small as well as some pieces of foam (not sure I like that but my Cyms seem to), perlite and even moss fibers. I know someone once told me that horticultural charcole is good in a Cym mix but I've not tried that.

I like to mix the fine and medium bark and perlite in proportions that depend on the plant. More fine for small rooted orchids like oncidiums, more medium for larger roots like Phals.

[Paul Mc]

You might check RePotme.com. They have excellent mixes though with shipping it gets expensive. I'm suggesting you look at them because they have mixes for various types of orchids. Many of the mixes are multi-functioning and can cover several types. Their website will give you a good idea of the types of medium that they suggest people use for various types of orchids and you can take that information in consideration when looking for medium.

[Paul Mc]

Also, I spring is the suggested time for most orchids as their roots are actively growing before going into dormancy. This gives the orchids time to adjust to the new medium and to steady themselves (anchor) into the new pot. Some orchids, such as phal's, are always growing new roots and it's a bit less of a concern.

I'm not familiar with those two orchid mixes you mentioned, so I can't suggest anything with them.

I personally would get one mix for your Cymbidium, another for your paph, another for your phal, and one for your oncidium, ondont., milt., and Gdlra. I believe the last 4 can be put in the same medium, but don't quote me on that.

[Ray]

Paul is right, but I'll state it another way: Forget seasons, and observe your plants' growth. If brand new roots are forming, it's the perfect time to repot. If they are not, but the medium is in such bad shape that you risk rotting the roots, you'll have to repot, then take a few extra steps to ensure they get established quickly, such as keeping it shady, warm and humid, so it will start to grow new roots.

Concerning potting media, take a step back from "brands" and sources of them, and give some thoughts to what the potting medium actually does as part of your overall culture. Here is an article that might help that: Choosing Potting Media

[plantluvver]

I guess I should add that I usually keep my house cool in the winter, a max of about 65, with temperatures dropping at night. I think this means I prefer a less moisture retentive mix.

As I think about it more, I think I have more versatility buying individual components. This will allow me the ability to tweak the mix, if I do not like how it is working.

[Lady_Vamp]

I think you are right, individual components are best. You make your mix how you want it for a specific orchid.

And just a tip like that, my fine bark I get from the reptile section of pet shops, check to be sure, but it should be untreated.

[littlefrog]

You don't really need any mix... Almost everything would grow fine mounted if you can keep it watered properly.

I really only ever use maybe four mixes in the greenhouse, and one isn't even a mix. A small orchid bark mix for seedlings and small paphs and phrags. A medium orchid bark mix for catts and bigger slippers, phals, etc. Sphagnum moss for lots of things. And a peat based soilless mix for ferns and such.

Now, I do cheat a little bit and use baskets for plants that really like to dry out, and choose between clay and plastic, for the same reason. Good pot selection goes a long way towards good growing.

[plantluvver]

Here are the two that I think need repotting. The Cymbidium is in a black pot, and the pot is too tight to get the plant out.