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Posted on 7:42 AM by Wanto and filed under
By David Mores
In addition to the organic composts (growing mediums), there are a number of man-made materials that provide synthetic alternatives. These are cheap and easy to use, and have the advantage in that they will not decompose and therefore cause the roots to rot.
Compost (growing medium) that is in good condition should have a pleasant, moist smell. If it smells sour, it has probably broken down to the plant can no longer gain any benefit from it.
On average, orchids need repotting about once every two years. Older established plants may be left for longer, especially when they do not outgrow their pots, while young plants need to be moved on every six months or so in order to maintain a steady rate of growth.
Once the compost has broken down in this way, the roots cannot thrive and will quickly die. Speedy repotting is essential. First cut away all the dead roots and remove all the old compost, then replace it with fresh material throughout. Roots that can be seen to circle the rim of the pot without penetrating to the bottom indicate that the compost (growing medium) is unsuitable.
The cause may be that the compost is too dense for the roots to penetrate, and once again repotting may be needed. Phalaenopsis are particularly reluctant to immerse their roots in a compost that they do not like, and will prefer to extend their roots over the rim of the pot into the air, where they will adhere to any surface with which they come into contact.
Plants in the Odontoglossum alliance, and any others that continue to grow throughout the winter, can also be repotted now. Do not repot orchids, such as coelogynes or encyclias, that are about to commence their winter's rest. To repot your orchids, you will need a potting bench or worktop with sufficient room on which to operate. Have ready a supply of previously dampened compost (growing medium), variously sized pots and some crocking material for the base of each pot. This may be broken polystyrene (plastic foam) chips or chips of the type used as packing material.
The next day it will feel just right to work with. Do not return any unused damp compost to the bag, but leave it to dry out first. If it is returned to the bag while it is still wet, it will produce a mould, which will spread to the rest of the contents of the bag, Always store orchid compost dry.
Some orchid growers like to mix up their own special brand of orchid compost (growing medium) from locally available materials. These materials may include dried oak leaves and beech masts, mixed with live sphagnum moss. While these may be successful when made up by an experienced grower, beginners should seek advice from their local orchid nursery.
Compost (growing medium) that is in good condition should have a pleasant, moist smell. If it smells sour, it has probably broken down to the plant can no longer gain any benefit from it.
On average, orchids need repotting about once every two years. Older established plants may be left for longer, especially when they do not outgrow their pots, while young plants need to be moved on every six months or so in order to maintain a steady rate of growth.
Once the compost has broken down in this way, the roots cannot thrive and will quickly die. Speedy repotting is essential. First cut away all the dead roots and remove all the old compost, then replace it with fresh material throughout. Roots that can be seen to circle the rim of the pot without penetrating to the bottom indicate that the compost (growing medium) is unsuitable.
The cause may be that the compost is too dense for the roots to penetrate, and once again repotting may be needed. Phalaenopsis are particularly reluctant to immerse their roots in a compost that they do not like, and will prefer to extend their roots over the rim of the pot into the air, where they will adhere to any surface with which they come into contact.
Plants in the Odontoglossum alliance, and any others that continue to grow throughout the winter, can also be repotted now. Do not repot orchids, such as coelogynes or encyclias, that are about to commence their winter's rest. To repot your orchids, you will need a potting bench or worktop with sufficient room on which to operate. Have ready a supply of previously dampened compost (growing medium), variously sized pots and some crocking material for the base of each pot. This may be broken polystyrene (plastic foam) chips or chips of the type used as packing material.
The next day it will feel just right to work with. Do not return any unused damp compost to the bag, but leave it to dry out first. If it is returned to the bag while it is still wet, it will produce a mould, which will spread to the rest of the contents of the bag, Always store orchid compost dry.
Some orchid growers like to mix up their own special brand of orchid compost (growing medium) from locally available materials. These materials may include dried oak leaves and beech masts, mixed with live sphagnum moss. While these may be successful when made up by an experienced grower, beginners should seek advice from their local orchid nursery.
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