Orchids have special requirements for the potting substrate and do not thrive in normal potting soil. Often you still have orchid soil left over when repotting. Find out here how to mix it with regular potting soil and which plants this mixture is suitable for.
Can you mix orchid soil with potting soil?
You can also use orchid soilfor other plants. Mixed with regular potting soil, it can be used for many houseplants. Other exotic epiphytes such as philodendrons and monstera particularly benefit from this soil mixture. Never use normal potting soil for orchids, even mixed.
For which plants is the orchid soil mixture suitable?
If you mix remaining orchid soil with normal potting soil, you will primarily loosen it up and ensure better water retention. Other epiphytic plants in particular prefer this soil because they have similar requirements:
- Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads)
- Monstera (window leaf)
- Philodendrons (tree friend)
- Dracaena (dragon trees)
- tropical ferns
A mixture of two parts potting soil to one part orchid soil has proven to work well.
How is orchid soil different from normal potting soil?
Orchids do not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, the optimal soil for them must be very airy andpermeable. The orchid substrate must also be able tostore water well and release it to the plant when needed. In addition, in contrast to normal potting soil, the substrate should be dimensionally stable so that the orchid roots are well supported. Commercially available orchid soil consists of pine bark mulch, which can store moisture very well and thus prevents waterlogging. Storage substances such as expanded clay or perlite are often included.
How do I mix special orchid soil myself?
You can easily make your own orchid soil if you take the needs of the orchids into account. You need the following ingredients:
- 60-70% bark mulch (coarse bark of softwoods such as pine or pine)
- 20% organic materials (e.g. cork, sphagnum moss, wood or coconut fibers)
- 10-20% inorganic substances (e.g. expanded clay, perlite, rock wool, lava granules)
- Charcoal (disinfectant effect to prevent diseases)
To rid your soil of germs and bugs, you can steam it. To do this, place the moistened soil in the oven at 90 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
Can I mix regular potting soil for my orchids in the pot?
Orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, are epiphytes and grow naturally on trees, usually at high altitudes. They are often found in the forks of branches and tree hollows. They have adapted to their environment so much that they cannot grow in soil. They absolutely need a substrate that is permeable to air in order to receive sufficient oxygen. Do not mixnormalsoilinto your orchid soil, otherwise the roots will suffocate. The roots get the nutrients and oxygen they need from moist air or fog.
Tip
Orchids need fertilizer in addition to the right soil
In order to be optimally supplied with nutrients, orchids should be fertilized about every two weeks. A special orchid fertilizer is best suited for this. For ideal nutrient distribution, use a liquid fertilizer.
