Soil for orchids at home. What should be the soil for orchids, substrate requirements

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Orchids are amazingly beautiful flowers, but quite capricious to care for. They require certain conditions of detention. They also need special soil, which can be purchased ready-made at a flower shop. But it is quite possible to prepare a substrate suitable for plants with your own hands, although this may turn out to be a somewhat troublesome task.

What soil is suitable for orchids

In maintenance and care, these flowers are radically different from others. indoor plants. Ordinary garden soil is not suitable for them. In such soil they die quite quickly. You need special soil for orchids. You can make it yourself by preparing and mixing certain ingredients. But in order for the nutrient medium to optimally suit the plant, you need to know exactly what variety the orchid belongs to.

Compound suitable soil for orchids will depend on which of the two groups a particular plant belongs to:

flowers that naturally grow on trees - their aerial roots do not require a rich nutrient medium, but the soil must be loose and well-permeable to moisture;
orchids growing in the ground - even if they root system and is located in the soil, but its composition is quite different from the soil used for planting other indoor flowers.

In indoor floriculture, varieties of orchids growing on trees are more common. The substrate for them can be purchased, already completely ready for planting, or partially changed depending on the needs of the flower. But to be sure that the soil is safe for orchids, you can make it yourself.

What does the substrate contain?

The basis of the soil for these flowers is:

Bark – pine or oak bark is most often used. But it can also be taken from larch or aspen. The bark does not need to be cut from the tree; it should be easily separated from the trunk, dry and without signs of mold. And it is better to remove it from a tree that fell at least a year ago.

Attention! Fresh bark is not used for substrate, since any disease can be introduced with it.

Charcoal - it can be taken from a burnt trunk of birch, oak or beech. And to be sure that there are no foreign impurities that could be harmful to the plant, it is better to burn a suitable log yourself.
Moss - sphagnum is best; you can buy it or bring it from the forest.
Expanded clay, pumice, pieces of foam - used for drainage when planting an orchid.

When making soil for orchids, other parts are also used. Nut skins, coconut fibers, sunflower seed husks are added to the substrate - this is a good leavening agent. organic origin. You can also add pieces of fern root by digging up a healthy and fairly large specimen of this plant in the summer.

And to protect the flower from the development of fungal diseases and to loosen the substrate, small pieces of minerals such as perlite or vermiculite are added.

When preparing the soil, sand (white river sand or coarse quartz sand), peat and leaf soil are also used, which can be prepared independently during the warm period. They are used for the substrate of certain varieties of orchids. Fallen leaves are also not added for all species.

Advice. Fallen leaves are taken from trees such as oak, aspen, and apple trees. And to protect the substrate from mold, it is good to add peach leaves to it.

Processing of primer components

All components of the substrate, harvested in the forest or swamp, must be properly processed before use. All components must be washed thoroughly in clean water and then dry. The bark and moss must also be boiled or calcined in the oven, then dried, and after a few days this procedure must be repeated.

Other components also require treatment with boiling water. And many flower growers advise additionally treating moss with insecticides. After such treatments, bark, moss and everything else can be safely used to prepare soil for planting.

Soil preparation

The simplest soil recipe may consist of only 5 parts bark and 1 part charcoal. But it cannot be called the best option for plants. It will be optimal for most orchids if the soil also includes moss (1 or 2 parts) and expanded clay or crushed pumice for drainage.

Orchid transplant

Other components can be used for the substrate depending on the needs of the flower, adding them to the soil if necessary. It is important that all parts are disinfected, well dried and thoroughly mixed. It is also necessary to disinfect the container for planting the plant.

An orchid cannot be called an ordinary indoor flower, because it requires a special approach when growing. The soil for it also needs to be prepared very carefully. And although this procedure is somewhat troublesome, many gardeners always prefer to prepare the substrate themselves. For those who are doing this for the first time, it is better to first watch the entire preparation process step by step on a video or photo.

Substrate for orchids: video

Phalaenopsis - very popular decorative flowering plants. IN wildlife they grow on the bark of trees, their roots are on the surface and do not go into the ground. Therefore, to successfully keep them in the room, they need to create special conditions.

The most important factor for the growth and flowering of phalaenopsis is the soil, which is fundamentally different in composition from substrates for other indoor plants.

In the article we will look at what kind of soil is needed for a phalaenopsis orchid and what composition is better.

Soil requirements

Popular substrate compositions

In addition to the above compositions, there are also soils for orchids with a predominance of stones and rocks. Phalaenopsis grows well in soil made from the following components:

The following composition can also be used:

Pine or oak bark - 3 parts;
Pieces of pumice – 1 part;
Charcoal – 1 part;
Fern roots – 1 part;
Expanded clay – 1 part.

This substrate has increased moisture capacity. It can be used to keep plants at low air humidity.

There are also mixtures with synthetic materials. Most often, pieces of foam are used to loosen the soil. Here is one of the popular compositions for phalaenopsis orchids, which includes polystyrene foam:

Pine bark or coconut chips – 2 parts;
Crushed cork tree bark - 2 parts;
Expanded clay – 1 part;
Charcoal – 1 part;
Pieces of polystyrene foam – 1 part.

Of the purchased substrates, Seramis has proven itself to be excellent. This soil does not contain any plant components. It is a clay granulate that holds water well. Orchids planted in Seramis intensively increase their leaf mass and bloom profusely, and problematic specimens are quickly restored.

Phalaenopsis planted in hydrogel live no more than a year and then die.

Preparing the substrate for use

To make soil for phalaenopsis with your own hands, you need to carefully prepare each ingredient. The bark, sphagnum moss and fern roots require the most attention. The bark is collected from dead trees and boiled for 20-30 minutes, after which it is dried. The moss is poured with boiling water for 2-3 hours, and then dead insects are removed from it and dried. Fern roots are dug up in the forest, washed, cut and dried in the shade.

All components are stored in unsealed containers and mixed before use. After this, the finished substrate must be poured hot water for a few hours.

The purchased substrate also needs to be prepared for planting. It is sifted to remove fines and dust. Peat is often added to purchased orchid substrates. This component is detrimental to phalaenopsis, as it promotes long-term soil moisture. Peat can also be removed from the substrate by sifting.

If the soil has a characteristic mushroom smell, it cannot be used without disinfection, since pathogenic fungi are already developing in it. Such soil should be poured with boiling water for several hours or boiled for 1-1.5 hours. After this, it must be treated with one of the antifungal drugs. Before use, purchased odorless soil for phalaenopsis should be soaked in hot water for several hours.

Now you know what soil is needed for phalaenopsis orchids and how to choose the best composition.

What soil is suitable for orchids

In maintenance and care, these flowers are radically different from other indoor plants. Ordinary garden soil is not suitable for them. In such soil they die quite quickly. You need a special primer for. You can make it yourself by preparing and mixing certain ingredients. But in order for the nutrient medium to optimally suit the plant, you need to know exactly what variety the orchid belongs to.

The composition of suitable soil for orchids will depend on which of the two groups a particular plant belongs to:

flowers that naturally grow on trees - their aerial roots do not require a rich nutrient medium, but the soil must be loose and well-permeable to moisture;
orchids growing in the ground - although their root system is located in the soil, its composition is quite different from the soil used for planting other indoor flowers.

What does the substrate contain?

The basis of the soil for these flowers is:

Bark – pine or oak bark is most often used. But it can also be taken from larch or aspen. The bark does not need to be cut from the tree; it should be easily separated from the trunk, dry and without signs of mold. And it is better to remove it from a tree that fell at least a year ago.

Attention! Fresh bark is not used for substrate, since any disease can be introduced with it.

Charcoal - it can be taken from a burnt trunk of birch, oak or beech. And to be sure that there are no foreign impurities that could be harmful to the plant, it is better to burn a suitable log yourself.
Moss - sphagnum is best; you can buy it or bring it from the forest.
Expanded clay, pumice, pieces of foam - used for drainage when planting an orchid.

When making soil for orchids, other parts are also used. Nut skins, coconut fibers, and sunflower seed husks are added to the substrate - this is a good leavening agent of organic origin. You can also add pieces of fern root by digging up a healthy and fairly large specimen of this plant in the summer.

And to protect the flower from the development of fungal diseases and to loosen the substrate, small pieces of minerals such as perlite or vermiculite are added.

Advice. Fallen leaves are taken from trees such as oak, aspen, and apple trees. And to protect the substrate from mold, it is good to add peach leaves to it.

Processing of primer components

All components of the substrate, harvested in the forest or swamp, must be properly processed before use. All components must be rinsed well in clean water and then dried. The bark and moss must also be boiled or calcined in the oven, then dried, and after a few days this procedure must be repeated.

Soil preparation

Orchid transplant

Substrate for orchids: video

Many people want to decorate their home with beautiful orchids that can bloom all year round. This tropical flower, which in nature grows with virtually no soil, clinging to other trees or rocks. Its roots need ventilation and sunlight, which is very different from European flower crops. Growing a beautiful variety of this flower - phalaenopsis - at home is possible by planting it in a special soil for orchids, which is called a substrate and should imitate the natural growing environment of this species.

What soil is needed for an orchid?

Growing tropical crops requires an understanding of their epiphytic nature. They receive nutrients from slowly decomposing plant remains, moisture from the atmosphere, energy from the sun. It is advisable to create favorable conditions their growth and flowering at home. The first step is the proper selection of substrate and correct placement orchid roots in a pot. The choice of components should be based on an understanding of the need for root ventilation and the presence of inclusions that can accumulate and retain moisture for a long time.

Compound

When creating a substrate, it is unacceptable to use elements that can form compressed lumps. This will disrupt ventilation and lead to rotting of the root system. Ideal local soil ingredients would be pieces of pine or oak bark. Sphagnum absorbs moisture well and has antiseptic properties. If it is necessary to raise the pH level of the substrate, it is advisable to add charcoal. It is possible to use porous inorganic materials when creating a soil base. The filler can be coconut fiber or chips.

Ready soil for orchids

When purchasing ready-made substrates, carefully read their composition, feel the bags or view the contents to determine the size of all components. Mixtures containing small elements, soil, dry leaves, peat or moss. Considering the presence of a large number of pine plantations in our country, pine bark for orchids is easy to prepare with your own hands. Collect from the forest or remove the top light layer from the trunks.

You can buy ready-made substrate for orchids in specialized stores or hardware supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities. Active Internet users can find out the composition, how much the components on sale cost and the finished substrate in online stores, where you can choose a product based on a photo, order a product for a promotion, sale, discount, or make a profitable purchase. All goods are delivered by courier services, but it is better to send cheap goods by regular mail.

One of best fillers substrates are pine bark for orchids. Its dimensions must correspond to the size of the plant and be capable of holding the trunk and bud of the flower. Pine grows in abundance in our country, so there is always the opportunity to choose the size you need:

model name: Small pine bark;
price: 240 rubles;
characteristics: piece size – 1-2 cm, volume – 50 l;
pluses: Angara pine;
cons: not noted.

When selecting pine bark, sift out pieces with resin, pieces of wood, sun-burnt, dark areas. For adult orchids, parts of the top layer with bark pieces at least 2 cm in size are well suited:

model name: Medium pine bark;
price: 250 rub.;
characteristics: size – 2-6 cm, volume – 50 l;
pros: good breathability;
cons: not noted.

Substrate

For the first planting or replanting, ready-made purchased soil with correct proportions components. The presented soil is used when planting phalaenopsis, dendrobium, cattleya, cymbidium in 1-1.5 liter pots with mandatory drainage:

model name: Orchid Substrate;
price: 69 rub.;
characteristics: peat, sphagnum moss, pine bark and needles, charcoal, double superphosphate, potassium sulfate, microfertilizers, soil pH 4.0-5.0, weight – 375 g;
pros: balanced soil for phalaenopsis;
Cons: Drainage is not included.

When replanting epiphytic orchids, it is important to maintain soil ventilation and add microelements that cause re-blooming. The special Seramis substrate (Germany) has a loose, porous structure with optimal root ventilation and water balance:

model name: Seramis Substrate;
price: 590 rub.;
characteristics: clay granules, bark, microelements, acidity pH – 5.7, shelf life unlimited, volume –2.5 l;
pros: optimal set of microelements;
cons: expensive.

Soil

Our climatic conditions require the use of special soil for exotic plants. High-quality Pokon soil has a ventilated, oxygen-rich structure, necessary orchids nutritional elements:

model name: Pokon soil;
price: 335 rub.;
characteristics: tree bark, granulated high-moor peat, loose peat, lowland peat, lime, fertilizer NPK 14:16:18, acidity pH – 5.2-6.2, shelf life – at least 3 years, 5 l package;
pros: high acidity;
cons: high cost.

To grow phalaenopsis, cattleya, cymbidium, miltoniopsis, dendrobium, paphiopedilum and other epiphytes, you need nutritious soil for orchids. The presented soil can provoke flowering or give a healthy appearance to plants:

Model Name: Soil Flower Happiness Orchid Specialized;
price: 46 rubles;
characteristics: larch bark, coal, high peat, expanded clay drainage, volume – 1 l;
pros: sold in a plastic bucket;
cons: not noted.

DIY soil for orchids

Make a substrate for orchids with your own hands, knowing the basic necessary components, Just. The main components are moisture-absorbing elements - sphagnum, charcoal, bark, inorganic porous materials. The thicker the flower roots, the larger the filler elements need to be selected. A competent approach to creating a high-quality soil mixture includes three stages:

selection the best way components that combine with each other;
establishing the proportions of each component;
correct process soil preparation.

Components

There are several options for soil composition. The need for an additive to the main substrate additional elements occurs when there are problems in the development of the flower. The main criterion for selecting soil, watering and all comprehensive care for orchids is the opening of the buds. If the flower begins to fade, a brown coating, you will need the addition of expanded clay or coal. When leaves curl or air branches dry out, it is necessary to add moisture-intensive organic matter.

A general list of possible soil components includes:

pine bark or cones;
minerals – perlite or vermiculite;
peat swamp moss sphagnum;
leaf humus or leaf soil;
polystyrene;
fern roots;
coir;
expanded clay;
charcoal.

Proportions

There are classic proportions of the substrate and their modifications, which are used to correct growth defects or treat plants. The soil for the phalaenopsis orchid should not be compacted; it should dry out over a period of at least 3 days. The lower the humidity in the room, the more moisture-intensive components are needed. It is advisable to choose a pot that is close to the roots of the plant; it is necessary to provide holes for drainage excess water, try to avoid its stagnation in the pots.

There are several main options for proportions and cases of their application:

Charcoal and pine bark 1:5. This composition of soil for orchids is used for pots and greenhouse propagation. Such soil has reduced moisture holding capacity and excellent air circulation.
Charcoal, crushed dry moss, pine chips 1:2:5. This soil for orchids is better for flowers grown in baskets and pots for rooms with normal humidity.
Pine bark, peat, charcoal, leaf humus 1:1:1:3. This proportion is used to feed phalaenopsis orchids.
If it is necessary to fertilize the soil, AVA granules, compost from oak, beech, aspen, birch leaves, nut shells, and mahogany sawdust are used. To combat pests, it is recommended to add a spoonful of cinnamon to the soil.

Growing representatives of the orchid family at home differs significantly from the classical cultivation of indoor plants. main feature tropical beauties is that they feed not from the ground, but from the atmosphere and the bark of donor trees. To create conditions close to their natural existence, orchid pots and specially prepared substrates for their growth are used.

What are the main features of the plant?

The royal orchid beckons and fascinates with its unusual beauty. Its magnificent flowering clusters have made it a favorite among houseplants. When growing this flower, you need to take it into account natural features, and then long time he will delight with his abundant flowering. The main difference between crops and indoor flowers is that they, being epiphytes, have aerial roots and in their natural environment feed not from the soil, but from the atmosphere and bark of the tree donor.

Growing tropical beauties at home became possible after breeders developed special hybrids, a prominent example of which is phalaenopsis. It has a wide range of colors and is easy to care for. When growing representatives of the orchid family, the main task is to create conditions that are close to natural. Properly prepared soil will allow the flower to gain a foothold in one place and constantly receive nutrition.

Ready-made soils for orchids are widely available in specialized retail outlets; they can also be ordered online, but it is better to prepare them yourself.

What does soil for orchids consist of?

Successful growing of plants directly depends on the quality of the soil. Soils for home floriculture must meet certain requirements:

have the ability to retain water for the root system;
do not retain moisture in the pot for more than four days;
not be compressed, allow air to pass through well.

Compliance with these classical rules allows you to have beautiful healthy flowers of any kind all year round. The roots of representatives of the orchid family have unique ability store moisture, like an earthen lump in a pot, and then give it to the plant. This property is due to the presence of a layer of velamen on them, which has a structure similar to a sponge, and should not be kept wet for a long time - otherwise it will rot. The velamen covering replaces soil for orchids, and this is their main difference from all other types of indoor flowers.

The root system of orchids transfers the accumulated liquid to the plant, remaining dry and able to breathe air, that is, the substrate must dry out as quickly as possible. This is the main condition that the finished soil must meet.

Soil components

Available in stores now a wide range of ready-made soil mixtures for growing orchids, but it is not always possible to choose soil for a specific species. It is easy to prepare the necessary substrate with your own hands; the choice of components should be determined not by the nutritional qualities of the components, but by how permeable the finished mass will be to air, moisture and light. Soil consists of several ingredients of both natural and man-made origin.

Soil components:

wood, pine bark;
sphagnum moss;
fern roots;
coal;
expanded clay;
polystyrene;
coconut fiber;
peat;
perlite – rock;
vermiculite – mineral;
Pine cones.

Each material plays its role. This determines its share in the total volume of the substrate so that the soil mixture is properly structured and meets the necessary requirements.

tree bark

The main component of soil for orchids is tree bark. It experiences significant stress from moisture and growing roots. Its condition directly affects the quality of the soil mixture.

Most the best option– pine, others can be used conifers. This material is offered flower shops, but it’s easy to prepare it yourself. Collection is carried out only from dead trees: sawn logs, dead wood or dead wood. The pieces need to be strong, without mold, signs of rot and massive damage by insects. Purchased or collected bark must be processed as follows:

boil in water for an hour: to destroy eggs and insect larvae and cleanse excess resins;
cut into thick pieces measuring 2x2 cm;
dry in the oven at 100 degrees.

The material is ready to be sent to flower pot. To reduce the acidity of the soil, you can add a pinch of dolomite flour.

Sphagnum moss and fern roots

Sphagnum moss has a number of properties that create comfortable conditions for the growth of orchids, namely:

imparts looseness to the soil;
retains moisture without compacting the soil;
absorbs harmful salts;
prevents rotting.

It can be purchased ready-made, pre-dried and disinfected. When preparing yourself, the collected raw materials must be sorted, washed, poured with boiling water and, after being squeezed out, dried well. Best time for collection - late autumn.

Sphagnum is ambulance orchids dying from rotting or drying out roots.

Fern rhizomes have properties similar to moss. Before adding to the soil, they are cut into small pieces and subjected to the processing described above.

Technical materials

Florists widely use technical materials for soil structuring. These are expanded clay, polystyrene, polystyrene foam and foam rubber. Expanded clay drainage is indispensable when growing orchids; its main advantage is its high hygroscopicity. Charcoal has a similar property, which is also used as a disinfectant and absorbent. It is included in the soil in pieces of at least two centimeters.

Fragments synthetic materials– polystyrene, polystyrene foam and foam rubber show their properties very well in the composition of soil for orchids. Their presence significantly reduces the risk of caking of the soil mixture and increases its breathability; moreover, they do not emit harmful substances and have a long shelf life.

Other soil components

Peat, pine cones, coconut fibers, perlite rock and the mineral vermiculite can be added to the orchid substrate. All these components increase the looseness of the soil mixture, prevent it from caking and increase air permeability.

In addition, peat and vermiculite can protect plants from mold, fungal infections, harmful insects and retain moisture in the soil. When using peat, it is necessary to take into account its increased acidity; to reduce it, add dolomite flour. All species of the orchid family are epiphytes, therefore classic version soil for indoor flowers is not suitable for them. The substrate for orchids should consist mainly of whole pieces of pine bark up to three centimeters in size, with the addition of sphagnum and expanded clay.

The composition may include other additional components that increase air permeability and looseness of the soil. The durability of the constituent materials and their sizes affect the duration of use of the prepared mixture.

Examples of preparing a mixture for orchids

There are many options for preparing soil for orchids. The main task is to maintain the desired ratio between the components. If the composition is chosen correctly, the plant will delight you with its flowering for a long time.

Example #1:

pine bark – 5 parts;
charcoal – 1 part.

The soil will have good breathability, low moisture capacity and protection from rotting.

Example #2:

pine bark - 5 parts;
sphagnum moss – 2 parts;
charcoal - 1 part.

The soil will be loose, with good air circulation, retaining moisture and preventing rotting.

Example #3:

tree bark – 3 parts;
peat – 1 part;
expanded clay – 1 part;
coal - 1 part;
dolomite flour – 1 pinch.

The substrate is used for adult plants and meets all requirements. When preparing the soil yourself good reference are the ingredients of the soil in which the orchid was sold.

Which flower pots are best?

Usually the choice of pot for indoor flower determined by the size of the plant and the preferences of the grower. With orchids, things are not so simple. In nature tropical beauties With the help of powerful roots they settle on tree trunks and live practically without land. It is impossible to create such conditions at home; they can only be approximated. the main role in solving this problem belongs to the capacity, which should provide:

unhindered outflow of water;
good aeration of roots and soil inside the container;
optimal temperature conditions;
the ability to safely extract long roots.

The material from which the pot is made is important. Is it clay or plastic. It is not advisable to use glass. There are several parameters that a flower container for orchids must meet:

the size of the pot is equal to the volume of the root system;
the bottom has many drainage holes, it is good if they are located on the sides;
the material is transparent, but not glass;
For stability, use a pot whose diameter is 2-3 cm larger.

Clay pot

Clay is natural material. A pot made from it allows air and moisture to pass through well. It is heavy and provides the plant with a stable position.

A clay container is good to use for cool-loving orchids whose roots do not participate in the process of photosynthesis. The main disadvantage is the possibility of roots growing to the walls, since they will be damaged during transplantation. Another disadvantage is the rapid drying of the substrate.

Plastic pot

The best pot for growing orchids is a transparent plastic pot, which allows you to monitor the condition of the root system, moisture consumption, the drying process of the soil and promptly respond to any deviations. Plastic containers reliably protect the roots from drying out and prevent them from overcooling or overheating.

The design of such a pot has many holes for draining excess water, which does not allow it to linger in the substrate. Plastic is soft material, which greatly facilitates replanting the orchid in case of root growth beyond the container. In such a situation, in order not to damage the plant and remove it safely, it is necessary to cut its walls.

The only drawback plastic containers- this is lightness. A flower in such a container is very unstable; it can fall from the windowsill, suffer serious damage and even die. To avoid such a situation, it is recommended to use a spectacular flowerpot that will highlight the beauty of the plant and protect it.

Pots or baskets

Orchids can be grown in baskets or wicker pots. They use various material: wood, bamboo, plastic or metal mesh. They are very aesthetic and serve as interior decoration.

The main condition is a large number of drainage holes at the bottom. The disadvantage is that they are short-lived and quickly rot due to frequent watering.

Planting and replanting orchids

An orchid should be planted before the period of active growth begins (usually in spring). The main rule is not to damage the roots of the plant. You need to start by filling the pot one quarter full with drainage: expanded clay, polystyrene foam or polystyrene. Then the root system of the flower is distributed and moistened soil is added. The largest pieces of bark are laid down, then the smaller ones. The leaf rosette is placed tightly in the container and is not allowed to swing. Next, you should water it, keep it in a shaded place for up to four weeks and expose it to the sun.

An adult orchid is replanted when it no longer fits in its container, but no more than once every three years. At the beginning it must be watered abundantly. If the plant has grown greatly, divide it into parts and plant it separately.

At correct transplantation, as a result of which the root system was not damaged, the crop will be able to bloom this year.

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