Compost for Orchids

 Normal compost is not porous for Orchids, but you can buy a special compost for them at any store, although the easiest thing is to do it yourself. There are as many compost formulas for orchids as there are books on this subject, and then I will leave you two simple but efficient and appropriate recipes not only for terrestrial orchids, but also for epiphytes.

The trick is to achieve a compost that absorbs a lot of water, but at the same time quickly disposes of the excess. The most important thing is that the air circulates freely through it. There is an extremely porous material known as Osmunda fiber.– See more at:WHY ARE YOUR ORCHIDS NOT BLOOMING

It is the dried or crushed roots of the Osmunda fern. This material is imported from Japan, which makes it quite expensive. Fortunately, there are other materials that replace it and are easily achieved.

source pic: sunilpatel.co.uk

Pine bark is excellent for maintaining aerated growth medium. It is usually combined with sphagnum moss and peat, both materials retain moisture. The more peat the mixture has, the more it will retain moisture, so if you tend to water excessively, rather than keep the plant dry, it is best not to be very generous when adding peat to the mixture.

You can also incorporate some pieces of coal that will help counteract the natural acidity of the peat and keep the mixture sweet. There is no need to add fertilizer, since orchids do not tolerate a very rich growth medium. Instead, it is advisable to apply a foliar fertilizer during the growth stage. – See more at:HOW TO WATER ORCHIDS TO ACHIEVE GORGEOUS BLOOMS



Compost 1
Use a measure of crushed pine bark, a measure of vermiculite, a measure of peat, a measure of sphagnose moss and two or three pieces of coal.

Compost 2
Use a measure of peat, a measure of chopped Osmunda fiber or crushed pine bark and two or three pieces of coal.

After the flowering period or just before the beginning of the growing season, the ideal time will come to remake the orchids through a change of compost and pot. One of the things that makes the cultivation of orchids different from the rest of indoor plants is the type of compost it uses. – See more at:HOW TO GROW ORCHID EASILY AT HOME

The vast majority of orchids that are grown as houseplants are epiphytes and, therefore, grow on shrubs, trees or rocks. In other words, its roots will not require any means in which to grow; However, when they have it, it has to be aerated and have excellent drainage so that the roots do not rot. The texture of old and worn compost deteriorates and the plant will not grow properly.

One way to check if the compost is in condition is to insert your finger into it. If it offers some resistance, it means that it does not meet the necessary conditions and, therefore, you will have to replace it.