How to mix orchid potting medium? Sharing practical small formulas

   Potting medium is the material foundation on which orchids depend for survival, and it is also one of the factors that promotes more shoots, vigorous roots and strong seedlings. Below are several formulas that the author has repeatedly tested and verified as suitable for different orchids. 

    Formula one: 70% shiitake soil, 20% rice husk charcoal, 10% coarse river sand, plus an additional 10% bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for planting Cymbidium goeringii and Cymbidium faberi).

    Formula two: 40% rice husk charcoal, 30% shiitake soil, 10% red brick granules, 10% coarse river sand, 10% fired soil, plus an additional 10% bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for planting Cymbidium kanran).

    Formula three: 30% red brick granules, 20% coarse river sand, 30% rice husk charcoal, 20% shiitake soil, plus a small amount of dried cow dung and bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for planting Cymbidium ensifolium and Cymbidium sinense).

    Formula four: 40% rice husk charcoal, 20% shiitake soil, 10% red brick granules, 10% coarse river sand, 10% coal cinders, 10% dried cow dung (this formula is suitable for planting variegated-leaf orchids).

    Shiitake soil (the soil used for growing shiitake mushrooms) is loose, breathable, light, permeable and has moderate nutrients, and can give orchids more shoots, vigorous roots and strong seedlings; rice husks contain various ash elements and other large amounts of trace elements, mainly potassium, which is good for rooting; bone charcoal is rich in phosphorus, its fertilizing nature is not harsh, and its fertilizer effect is lasting; coal cinders contain minerals; red brick granules have many pores and excellent drainage and water retention performance.