What Kind Of Soil Should Orchids Be Planted In?

Orchids require lightweight and breathable soil for their growth, which should be a blend of peat moss, bark, sphagnum moss, lava rocks, perlite, charcoal, clay pebbles, tree, coconut coir, and husk chips. Ordinary potting soil is too dense and compact for orchids, hindering their development. To ensure optimal growth, choose an orchid-specific porous mix that includes sphagnum moss, fir bark, coconut husk, and tree fern fibers.

Orchid growers suggest using a good-quality, commercial potting mix formulated specifically for orchids. Pots with 4 to 12 drainage holes are ideal for growing orchids in containers. Orchids should live and grow in plastic or terra-cotta grow pots, and any pot with good drainage can house an orchid plant. The potting medium for orchids contains chunkier materials like bark chips and sphagnum moss, which depends on the type of orchid.

For terrestrial orchids, potting soil mixed with drainage enhancers like perlite and pine bark chips is great. Orchids are usually grown in a combination of perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, and shredded bark. For epiphytic orchids, use a well-draining bark-based medium, avoiding regular garden soil.

Choosing the right container becomes pointless if you don’t have the right mix for your specific species. By selecting the right mix, you can ensure your orchids receive the perfect growing conditions they need to thrive.