A beautiful orchid plant pleases with its beauty and exoticism. This flower was brought from Europe, and he immediately won the hearts of connoisseurs of beauty. Breeding orchids is not too troublesome, despite the unusual nature of the plant. However, inept care can lead to the death of the flower. What is the problem? It is known that the orchid is unpretentious to watering. The main feature of its breeding is the selection of soil. The substrate for an orchid must be special. Its wrong consistency is a common cause of the death of this magnificent flower.
Where do orchids grow?
The soil for orchids must be selected depending on the type of plant. Even the ready-made mixture that is sold in stores is not suitable for every flower. It is necessary to select individual types of substrates in each case. The main requirements for the soil are lightness, moisture capacity, breathability and friability. The tropical climate is native to orchids. In nature, they grow in conditions of high humidity, clinging to branches and trunks.
Plants feeddead bark and plant remains in the cracks. Algae and mosses coexist with these plants. This is the most optimal environment for the good development of orchids. At home, it is impossible to create such harmony, but it is necessary to bring the environment as close to natural as possible. This is especially true of the ground.
Features of the substrate
The substrate for plants is very diverse. Each type of flower requires its own conditions for full growth and development. Orchid is no exception and even requires a special composition of the soil. For this plant, ordinary fertile land is not suitable and can lead to its death. The most common mistake flower growers make is the wrong substrate for orchids. What gardeners have not tried to create comfortable conditions for the growth of this flower. The earth was mixed with straw and even synthetic fibers.
To date, there has already been a certain list of components that are suitable for the formation of the substrate. Mostly tree bark, fern roots, charcoal, sphagnum moss, leaf earth, polystyrene, perlite, high peat and coconut fiber are used. These are the most common ingredients. A popular and affordable component is pine bark. Orchid substrate can be purchased at the store or prepared by yourself.
Orchid transplant
When a plant shows signs of a lack of nutrients: leaves dry, color changes and flower stalks are missing, you should consider replanting it. If you have a greenhouse, you can transplant at any time, even during the formation of flowers. If the whole process of adaptation will take place on the windowsill, then it is better to wait until the end of flowering. During the dormant period, the transplant will be more successful. The roots of the plant stick very tightly to the walls of the pot. Therefore, it is necessary to wet the ground of the flower well and after 15 minutes it is easy to pull it out. Orchid roots can be trimmed depending on the size of the new pot. We change the old substrate to a new one and plant a flower. It is better to strengthen it by placing a stick until the plant takes root.
Pine bark
One of the most important components that make up the substrate is pine bark. The structural features of the roots require high aeration and excellent access to moisture. Therefore, the substrate for the orchid should perfectly cope with these tasks. The soil can be based on the bark of oak, spruce, birch and deciduous trees. It can be purchased at the store or assembled by yourself. The bark contains microorganisms that decompose it and are activators of mycelium development. It provides free access of oxygen to the roots.
But do not forget that the components of the bark absorb nitrogen to a large extent. The plant begins to lack this component and needs additional feeding. The acidic environment of this element reacts with the alkaline environment of water and makes the soil neutral.
How to prepare bark?
You should choose the bark of middle-aged trees. They shouldn't be too old.or young. The bark should be free of mold, resin or other foreign inclusions. For greater safety, you can boil it and then dry it. Then this component is cut into pieces, the size of which depends on the age of the plant and its dimensions. For small plants, the size of the fragments should be no more than a hazelnut, and for large plants, no more than a walnut.
Substrate components
The substrate for seedlings and breeding of orchids may include various components. First, it is pine bark. A frequent component of the soil is also charcoal. It can be taken from a fire where the coals have completely burned out. The amount of this component should not be large. It tends to accumulate s alts, which adversely affects the growth of the plant. For young orchids, sphagnum moss is excellent as one of the components of the substrate. It must be changed at least once a year. Moss must be soaked in water for a day before use to get rid of insects.
Peat is very often introduced into the composition of the soil for planting orchids. Its structure should be fibrous and contain a minimum amount of s alts. Its direct task is to retain moisture in the soil. Sometimes fern roots are added to the substrate for orchids. For this, mature plants are better suited. When preparing the soil yourself, it is necessary to thoroughly steam all the components in order to avoid the ingress of fungi and bacteria. Always remember that the composition of the substrate depends on the type of orchid.
Coconut fibers
Today for manyflower growers became available coconut substrate for orchids. It is an organic component that is made from the shell of the coconut and its outer skin. The shell is thoroughly washed, sterilized, dried well and pressed.
This makes fiber transportation more convenient. Coconut substrate is sold in briquettes. This is an excellent environment for the good growth and development of orchids and some other plants. After soaking, the coco substrate retains moisture very well.
What is a coconut block?
What is coir briquettes? This is a pressed block, usually measuring 30 centimeters in length and width and 15 centimeters in height. Its weight is about 4.5 kg. One such block, when soaked, yields about 15 liters of substrate.
It can be used both independently, for growing a plant, and in combination with other components for preparing soil with a certain composition. Fiber particles in blocks can be of different sizes. Therefore, it is necessary to select them depending on the requirements of plants for oxygen and moisture capacity. Coconut blocks are ideal for growing orchids. They are composed of organic matter and have excellent drainage.
Benefits of coconut fiber
Today, in almost every specialized store you can buy coco substrate. Its price ranges from 200 to 450 rubles per block. The advantages of this component are obvious. First, he iscompletely organic environment. Secondly, it is excellent breathability, which is especially important for orchids. The third advantage is high moisture capacity. Coconut substrate can hold up to 7 times its own weight in moisture.
The microflora of this component is not pathogenic. It is safe and contains no chemical additives. This is an environmentally friendly product. Coconut substrate has a neutral environment, which is ideal not only for orchids, but also for many other plants. It is the ideal material for hydroponic cultivation. This component is an ideal environment for the development of the root system. Coconut substrate can be used repeatedly. It is suitable for growing orchids, gerberas, tomatoes, anthuriums, peppers, cucumbers and many other plants.
