How to Solve the Bottom Airflow Problem in Orchid Pots? Sharing Practical Methods

Although terrestrial orchids and epiphytic orchidscultivationuse different substrates and the methods vary, the basic key point is the same: solving the issue of "air." "Air" is theorchid growingfoundation. The saying "ventilated on eight sides, above and below, east, south, west, and center" means keeping the air around the orchids flowing freely. To address this "air" issue, first, choose clay pots with good breathability as containers; second, select idealcultivationsubstrates, such as leaf mold, weathered stone, peat soil, fern roots, moss, wood shavings, ceramsite, brick pieces, bagasse, straw, plastic foam pellets, etc.; third, in management (fertilizing, watering, and cleaning leaf surfaces, etc.), also maintain suitable soil conditions. Solve the aeration problem inside the pot from all aspects oforchid growing. To solve the bottom airflow problem at the base of the orchid pot, most methods involve enlarging the drainage holes at the bottom, and some dedicated orchid pots even have additional holes in different positions. Furthermore, the pot bottom should be lined with a layer several centimeters high of larger-grained brick pieces, charcoal, or other breathable, drainage-friendly materials. In the past two years, orchid growers in Zunyi have made new breakthroughs incultivationtechniques and skills, especially orchid grower Wang Zhong, who took the first step. This cultivation method enhances the airflow at the bottom of the pot, better facilitates the drainage of accumulated water inside the pot and the flow of air,orchid plantsgrow well and are less prone to disease or damage. Even if theorchid plantsare rained on for several days, they remain safe and sound. The method is introduced as follows. ① Materials: Discarded plastic bottles such as mineral water or cola bottles, using both the upper and lower parts, with holes drilled using a red-hot metal awl. The size of the holes and the height of the plastic bottle depend on the size and height of the pot. ② Cultivation method: After the materials are ready, place the perforated plastic bottle made above over the pot hole, fix it in place by surrounding it with brick pieces, then add substrate materials one by one on top, and plant theorchid plants. This method works especially well for cultivating established orchids. When used for cultivating young orchids, be careful to avoid excessive drying and water loss in the pot when temperatures are too high. (Guizhou - Wen Zhichuan)