What Soil Is Best for Growing Orchids? A Detailed Guide to Suitable Soil Mixes

The flowers of the orchid are plain yet not gaudy, standing gracefully, and are much loved by the Chinese people; together with bamboo, chrysanthemum and plum, they are known as the “Four Gentlemen”. So, what soil should be used to grow orchids?

1. What soil is used to grow orchids?

For growing orchids, choose a slightly acidic loam soil that is loose in texture, well aerated, well drained and rich in humus.

2. How to grow orchids

1. Changing the soil

When growing orchids, be sure to change the soil once a year at a set time, as this is more conducive to their growth. While changing the soil, also pay attention to applying additional fertilizer as appropriate, but the amount of fertilizer should be moderate and not excessive, to prevent burning the roots.

2. Fertilizing

Orchids like fertilizer, so before planting, put some base fertilizer into the growing medium to help them grow faster. Afterwards, during the growth period, the fertilizer requirement will be somewhat greater, so be sure to ensure a sufficient amount of fertilizer. According to the growth habits of orchids, the fertilizer chosen should be liquid fertilizer or foliar fertilizer, and its concentration should be somewhat lighter than for other flowers. Fertilizing orchids should follow the principle of light fertilizer applied frequently. Organic fertilizer, that is, farmyard manure, should be dilute, and note that it must first be fermented before use; it can be applied once every ten or so days. Other inorganic fertilizers (chemical fertilizers) should be used according to the instructions.

3. Watering

Watering is very important for the growth of orchids, and reasonable watering is the key to growing orchids well. The water used to water orchids should be clean and slightly acidic, and water containing pathogens or sewage must never be used. If watering with tap water, note that the tap water should first be left in the sun for two hours to remove the chlorine in the water before it can be used to water orchids. When the temperature is relatively high in summer, water evaporates rather quickly, so water once a day. In spring and autumn, water once every two or three days. In winter, water less or not at all, to prevent frost damage, which can cause orchids to be frostbitten or even frozen to death.

4. Temperature

Orchids have extremely high temperature requirements and cannot take it too high or too low. When winter comes, we should put them indoors; after moving them indoors, note that windows should be opened to keep the air circulating, and the temperature should be kept above 10 degrees, not lower. In summer, orchids should be given proper shading treatment, and the temperature must not be too high; it is best to keep them in a cool, ventilated place.

5. Pruning

During the growth of orchids, promptly prune yellow leaves caused by various reasons to prevent the loss of water and nutrients, so that the other healthy leaves can grow better. When the last flower on the inflorescence of a summer orchid has been open for one week, cut it off three cm from the pot surface.

6. Light

Orchids like light, and the more light they get, the more vivid their leaf color will be and the sturdier their branches and stems will be, but orchids must not be exposed to the scorching sun; simply place them in a well-lit spot indoors and use diffused light.

The whole plant and flowers of the orchid have a fragrance when rubbed, resembling the scent of lavender. Growing some at home can add a touch of fresh fragrance to the house.