Can I use potting soil for Calanthe?

[Orchidreamer]

I know Calanthes are pretty much terrestrials, and I've only ever grown epiphytes in the past, so I'm not sure what media to use. Can I just use regular houseplant potting soil, mixed with fir bark, gravel, perlite, or whatever else I can find? I read about using pro-mix but it just sounds like potting soil.

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by Zootrophion

I know Calanthes are pretty much terrestrials, and I've only ever grown epiphytes in the past, so I'm not sure what media to use. Can I just use regular houseplant potting soil, mixed with fir bark, gravel, perlite, or whatever else I can find? I read about using pro-mix but it just sounds like potting soil.

What you are suggesting is fine, they want a water retentive mix that drains well but now is not the time to be repotting, wait until the Spring when new growth starts to appear.

[Paul Mc]

I used a mixture of broken up styrophome peanuts, Miracle Gro's Orchid Mix (I'd only use this for terrestrial orchids), and some oncidium mix, a little extra horticultural charcoal and perlite all mixed together. I used the most of it to help open the Miracle Gro mix up a bit more and to get rid of some of the oncidium mix extra I had.

I do think what you are suggesting sounds pretty good though for your mix.

My research would indicate that you treat it fairly similar to a Phaius, so you might try looking for information on a Phaius in regards to potting.