On Potting Mixes and Orchid Pots

If you are an orchid grower, you would always wish to create the
perfect environment for your orchid plants. When we say orchid
environment, it is not actually limited to the location of your orchid
plants. Orchid environment would mean the orchid pots and the potting
mixes used to plant your orchid.Let us first talk about the orchid
pots. There are different types to choose from. But before deciding on
which pots to use, the orchid grower should know what type of orchid
is going to be planted. The pots may vary in sizes and materials used.
As an orchid grower, you need to identify whether your plant will be
needing a bigger space or not. There are some orchid types that would
grow best in the undersized pot while other orchids would require
bigger pots in order to grow well.Orchid pots can either be made of
plastic, terracotta or basket. Plastic pots are best for indoor use.
Because it is handy, it is easier to transfer your orchid plant to
different areas depending on the need of the plant for sunlight.
Plastic pots also allow plants to drain quickly; additional holes can
be placed on the pot if needed. These can prevent the roots from
rotting if left soaking in water for long periods.Next type is
terracotta orchid pots. These are much steadier than the plastic pots
so you can use it outdoors. The hole that you see at the bottom of the
pot can be a good drainage which will prevent the orchid plants from
being over-watered. Some terracotta pots also have holes on the sides;
this is best used for epiphytic orchids. This type can withstand
drought.Basket orchid types must be used for orchids which are
sprawling. This will allow the roots to come out of the pots. This
also provides good air circulation. The basket pots are best for
orchids with dangling flowers.Now that you are aware of the types of
orchid pots, you must decide on the perfect potting mix to use. You
cannot just fill your pots with the standard garden soil. Most orchids
would prefer a mixture of organic and inorganic potting mixes. These
mixes come in different grades: the coarse, medium and fine.Potting
mixes can be made of fir bark, redwood bark or even coconut husks.
Moss such as the sphagnum moss is also one of the potting mixes to
use. This type is capable of creating balance between air and water
retention. Charcoal is commonly used as well by most orchid growers.
Charcoal helps in absorbing the toxic materials which can contaminate
your orchid plants.There is no need to choose only one medium for your
orchid potting; it can be a combination of any of the most commonly
used mixes. You just need to know how much water your orchid plants
will need so you can decide on the right orchid pots and potting mixes
to use.