In addition to the organic composts (growing mediums), there are a number of man-made materials that provide synthetic alternatives. These are cheap and easy to use, and have the advantage in that they will not decompose and therefore cause the roots to rot.
These materials include Rockwool, which is produced for the horticultural industry from spun volcanic pumice. Rockwool looks like discoloured cotton wool, and the surface is sometimes stained green with an algae that grows in response to the nutrients.
On average, orchids need repotting about once every two years. Older established plants may be left for longer, especially when they do not outgrow their pots, while young plants need to be moved on every six months or so in order to maintain a steady rate of growth.
It is available in two forms: absorbent and non-absorbent. The first retains much more water around the roots, which suits some orchids, while a drier compost is provided by the nonabsorbent type. Many growers like to mix the two together to provide an ideal medium that holds sufficient water over an extended period, but has the capacity to support pockets of air. Rockwool is poured lightly into the pot and needs no firming down.
The best time for repotting is in the spring, but not if a plant is in flower. Most orchids commence their new growth at this time, and the ideal moment to repot is when the new growth is a few inches high. This is just before the formation of the new roots, which always appear after the new growth. When the new roots start to grow, they will immediately penetrate the fresh compost (growing medium), which eliminates any danger of damaging them. The next best time to repot is in autumn. This suits many cattleyas, which can often produce new roots at this time, as well as young seedlings, which need to be kept growing forward throughout the winter.
The advantages of these inorganic materials are that they are very light, easy to use, and, when the plants are repotted, the old mix can be left, causing less root disturbance.
The next day it will feel just right to work with. Do not return any unused damp compost to the bag, but leave it to dry out first. If it is returned to the bag while it is still wet, it will produce a mould, which will spread to the rest of the contents of the bag, Always store orchid compost dry.
Some orchid growers like to mix up their own special brand of orchid compost (growing medium) from locally available materials. These materials may include dried oak leaves and beech masts, mixed with live sphagnum moss. While these may be successful when made up by an experienced grower, beginners should seek advice from their local orchid nursery.
These materials include Rockwool, which is produced for the horticultural industry from spun volcanic pumice. Rockwool looks like discoloured cotton wool, and the surface is sometimes stained green with an algae that grows in response to the nutrients.
On average, orchids need repotting about once every two years. Older established plants may be left for longer, especially when they do not outgrow their pots, while young plants need to be moved on every six months or so in order to maintain a steady rate of growth.
It is available in two forms: absorbent and non-absorbent. The first retains much more water around the roots, which suits some orchids, while a drier compost is provided by the nonabsorbent type. Many growers like to mix the two together to provide an ideal medium that holds sufficient water over an extended period, but has the capacity to support pockets of air. Rockwool is poured lightly into the pot and needs no firming down.
The best time for repotting is in the spring, but not if a plant is in flower. Most orchids commence their new growth at this time, and the ideal moment to repot is when the new growth is a few inches high. This is just before the formation of the new roots, which always appear after the new growth. When the new roots start to grow, they will immediately penetrate the fresh compost (growing medium), which eliminates any danger of damaging them. The next best time to repot is in autumn. This suits many cattleyas, which can often produce new roots at this time, as well as young seedlings, which need to be kept growing forward throughout the winter.
The advantages of these inorganic materials are that they are very light, easy to use, and, when the plants are repotted, the old mix can be left, causing less root disturbance.
The next day it will feel just right to work with. Do not return any unused damp compost to the bag, but leave it to dry out first. If it is returned to the bag while it is still wet, it will produce a mould, which will spread to the rest of the contents of the bag, Always store orchid compost dry.
Some orchid growers like to mix up their own special brand of orchid compost (growing medium) from locally available materials. These materials may include dried oak leaves and beech masts, mixed with live sphagnum moss. While these may be successful when made up by an experienced grower, beginners should seek advice from their local orchid nursery.
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