There are a great many orchids in nature and they differ not only in appearance, but also in places and living conditions. There are two groups of orchids:
- epiphytes growing on tree trunks, stumps, fallen branches, this can also include lithophytic orchids growing on rocky terrain
- terrestrial orchids growing on the surface of the forest floor
Epiphytes include Wanda Vanda, Haraella Haraella, Ascocenda Ascocenda, etc. The nutrient medium for them is decaying organic matter, deposited and deposited on these surfaces - humus. They capture moisture directly from the air with juicy fleshy roots, during rains and fogs.
The structure of these roots is different from underground roots, their surface is covered with a layer of dead sponge cells - this is velamen velamen. Its function is precisely to absorb moisture. The dry "sponge" gives the roots a white color, and filled with moisture, they darken. The tips of the roots of orchids are always light green, shiny - they do not have velamen, as if they do not yet know in which environment the root system will be, if the root falls into the ground, then velamen will not form.
Terrestrial orchids are somewhat different - the same humus is the breeding ground for them, only the roots are immersed in a thicker layer of forest litter: rotting leaf litter, pieces of bark and moss. This is a natural substrate, from which the roots absorb moisture and receive nutrients. These include Paphiopedilum Paphiopedilum, Cymbidium Cymbidium, Ludisia Ludisia, etc.
Orchid soil
Based on the structure of the roots and the natural habitat of orchids, they select the appropriate substrate.
Qualitative characteristics of soil for orchids: air and water permeable, with a slightly acidic reaction, and with a low concentration of nutrients. The main components are chopped pine bark (pieces from 2 to 4 cm), coconut fiber, coconut chips, sphagnum moss (not all), fern roots (cut into pieces 1-2 cm), you can also use leaf earth for some orchids (leaf humus for terrestrial orchids). All components must be prepared in advance: the bark and fern roots must be literally boiled in water for 10-20 minutes, then poured out the water and dried for several hours (you can dry the bark in the oven). Moss can simply be scalded with boiling water (poured and immediately drained of water).
If you make the soil mixture yourself, then you need to take into account the type and type of orchid. For terrestrial orchids, you can take 1 part of the finely chopped roots of the fern, 1 part of the bark, 1 part of the loose light leaf earth. Before transplantation, the purchased soil mixture should be checked for water absorption - it should pass immediately, without lingering on the surface.
The orchid is planted in pine bark without additives. The bark can be bought in the store or prepared by yourself. Easily breaks and crumbles well-dried bark.
It's time to replant this orchid, the roots fall out of the pot. The pot is transparent - this is good, but its disadvantage is the lack of holes in the walls.
The orchid is attached to a block of a large piece of pine bark with wire, the roots covered with moss.
The roots of this orchid in the block in the form of a wooden hemp, transplant them when the block falls apart into dust.For epiphytic orchids, soil in the substrate is not needed, they are planted in a mixture of bark, chopped fern rhizome and any inert substrate. Inert, which means that it does not decompose, does not rot and does not give nutrients. This is coconut fiber, wine cork (wine bottles), foam plastic. Pieces should be large 3-4 cm so that when landing between the roots there are many voids, air pockets.
When planting any orchids, the root neck, the bottom of the stem, its base should not be buried in the substrate and touch the wet components. I.e. under the "ass" of the orchid you need to put a "nest" of coconut fiber (roll up in a lump) or a piece of foam.
Orchid pots
Almost all orchids do not like transplantation and tolerate it somewhat painfully, because roots are inevitably injured, sometimes they grow to the walls of the pot.
The roots of epiphytic orchids not only absorb water, nutrients, but also participate in photosynthesis, so pots with holes are needed so that part of the roots can freely crawl out or transparent pots. In addition to pots, plastic baskets, baskets of bamboo sticks are used for planting orchids (they are smooth, and the roots of orchids do not stick to them).
Epiphytic orchids are transplanted after 5-6 years, terrestrial - after 2-3 years. But this is in theory. In fact, orchids are transplanted when roots emerge from drainage holes, sprout far beyond the pot, when the bark turns into dust, if mold or a coating of salts has formed on the surface of the bark.
Special orchid pots have holes on the sides for air access.
Many orchids are grown not in pots but on bark blocks.
Plastic unit for growing orchids with fastening.
Inside the block, the author put the bark wrapped in coconut fiber.In general, both the root system of orchids and the aerial part grow rather slowly, and in the first year after transplantation they only have time to take root. Planting in too large spacious dishes or frequent transplants only inhibits plant growth. After transplantation, orchids may not bloom in the first year, or bloom with small, less beautiful flowers. Orchids will flower only after good rooting. If the water in your area is not the softest, even if you boil it, then it is better to replant plants annually, as salts are deposited in the soil, and this harms the health of orchids.
They start transplanting orchids as planned when they are just growing. Drainage for terrestrial orchids transplanted into an earthen substrate is mandatory. Moreover, the drainage should not be purely symbolic - a couple of pebbles, and not less than 3-4 cm.
