How to select the best potting medium and mix it scientifically

Potting medium isorchidsthe material basis on which they depend for survival, and it is also one of the factors that promotes more shoots, vigorous roots, and strong seedlings. The condition of the potting medium directly affectsorchids' survival, growth speed, and quality. Only by selecting the best potting medium, mixing it scientifically, keeping the proportions reasonable, and letting the advantages complement one another can goodorchid growingresults be achieved. Below are several formulas that the author has repeatedly tested and verified as suitable for different orchid types: Formula 1: 70% shiitake mushroom soil, 20% rice husk charcoal, 10% coarse river sand, plus an additional 10% bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for plantingCymbidium goeringii、Cymbidium faberi). Formula 2: 40% rice husk charcoal, 30% shiitake mushroom soil, 10% crushed red brick, 10% coarse river sand, 10% burnt soil, plus an additional 10% bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for plantingCymbidium kanran). Formula 3: 30% crushed red brick, 20% coarse river sand, 30% rice husk charcoal, 20% shiitake mushroom soil, plus a small amount of dried cow dung and bone charcoal (this formula is suitable for plantingCymbidium ensifolium、Cymbidium sinense). Formula 4: 40% rice husk charcoal, 20% shiitake mushroom soil, 10% crushed red brick, 10% coarse river sand, 10% coal cinder, 10% dried cow dung (this formula is suitable for planting leaf-variegated orchids). The various potting media in the above formulas are easy to obtain, low in cost, and good in effect. Shiitake mushroom soil is loose and breathable, light in weight and permeable to water, and moderate in nutrients, and can makeorchidsproduce more shoots and vigorous roots, and strong seedlings; rice husk contains various ash elements and other large amounts of trace elements. It mainly contains potassium, which benefits root development; bone charcoal is rich in phosphorus, its fertilizing nature is not harsh, and its fertilizer effect is lasting; coal cinder contains minerals; crushed red brick has many pores and has good drainage and water retention performance. For the bottom-layer material for planting orchids, the author uses foam plastic blocks. This substance is light, breathable, impermeable to water, has an unusual odor, and can repel insects. Using it as the bottom layer, orchidflowers'root tips grow very well, and the germination rate is high. (Longyan, Fujian - Zhang Bingfu)