Media for square orchid baskets

[gangof4]

Hi WalkingHorse. I know that charcoal is used in terrariums to deal with impurities, but (as a relatively newcomer to orchids) I haven't heard of it being used for orchids. What benefits do you notice when you use charcoal than when you don't? Also, where can you get larger sized pieces of charcoal, since most seems designed for aquariums, etc.

[WalkingHorse]

Hi there! I use it to help keep the potting medium sweet (odor control etc) for those orchids that like to stay on the damp side. Also it helps control salt build up (byproduct of some fertilization).

If you do a search for 'horticultural charcoal' you will find suppliers. Some do carry the larger sizes. RepotMe is one but I find that they can be more expensive than others.

[Ray]

I advise against the use of charcoal in potting media.

The absorptive properties WalkingHorse describes may be good in the short term, but as the charcoal accumulates the foul wastes and mineral residues, the particles become pockets of toxicity within the medium.

I used to be a big proponent of charcoal for its stability in mixes, and have even used it straight for vandas, but experience taught me that it was more of a negative than positive, especially loner-term.