What kind of potting medium is better for cultivating tropical orchids

① Sphagnum moss: Sphagnum moss is a type of bryophyte that grows in moist mountain forests. It is very suitable for cultivating seedlings and plants of terrestrial orchids and epiphytic orchids, especiallycultivatingslipper orchids, for which it is best. ③ Bark: The bark of coniferous trees such as pine, fir and cypress can be mechanically crushed into particles of varying sizes. When storing bark, it should be sun-dried and bagged. Before use, soak it in water for 24 hours. After it is completely soaked through, place the roots of tropical orchid seedlings in the bark. Bark is especially suitable forcultivatingCattleya, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, Dendrobium, etc. ③ Charcoal: Mechanically crush it into small pieces. It works better when mixed with bark and vermiculite. Because neither bark nor vermiculite contains many nutrients, chemical fertilizers must be used. ④ Vermiculite: It is white in color, light in weight and porous, so it has water-retention and air-permeability functions. It is mostly mixed with materials such as bark and charcoal. It has an excellent effect on planting epiphytic orchids. Generally, particles with a diameter of 0.5-0.8 cm are better. ⑤ Broken bricks, tiles and gravel: Broken bricks, tiles or gravel can also achieve the purpose of water retention and air permeability. Using them to plantCymbidiumcan produce relatively good results. Particles of 1.2-1.5 cm are suitable. This kind of material is economical and practical, and easy to obtain. In addition, you can adapt to local conditions and use local materials. Coconut shells, broken walnut shells, snake wood; even volcanic rock fragments can all be used to plant tropical orchids. As long as the purpose of water retention and air permeability can be achieved, it is fine. (Lin Qingde, Mu Wei)