For those who first took up the cultivation of orchids, the search for a suitable soil can turn into a real quest.
The mixture should feed the plant somewhat, give it stability and absorb the optimum amount of moisture. And besides, it is good to let the air in, to quickly evaporate excess moisture, to maintain the flower — how not to fall into despondency by reading such a list of requirements. In fact, everything is much simpler than it seems at first glance.
The importance of choosing the right one
The soil is selected taking into account the place of initial growth of orchids. Falenposis, for example, lives in trees, so the substrate for it is chosen special: the maximum permeable air and water.
But Cymbidium growing on the ground requires the inclusion of nutritional supplements in your diet. The owner of an orchid can make a good substrate by himself, looking into a couple of recipes. This is perhaps the best option: firstly, there is the opportunity to experiment with the purchased mixtures, and secondly, to drive away boredom and laziness.
Pros and cons of the finished substrate
The pluses include:
- Do not waste time on manufacturing.
- There is confidence in the quality of the prepared substrate, since all the ingredients were purchased independently.
- Purchase soil is light enough and stuffed with fertilizers. In addition, it has a high water capacity.
Minuses:
- No confidence in the quality of products. Not all manufacturers indicate on the package the exact amount of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, which may have a detrimental effect on the plant in the future (if, for example, there is a lot of nitrogen, the orchid will increase the green mass, but not bloom).
- Some mixtures contain peat, which affects the level of acidity. Indicators may be overestimated or underestimated.
Important! Be sure to make a trial purchase - do not seek to buy several bags of soil at once. Especially if you do it for the first time. Pre-need on the packaging date of manufacture, in order not to purchase expired goods.
At home, the contents of the package must be properly studied: there must be mold and large plant debris, larvae, spores. Should not smell like mold or mustiness. If after drying, salt crystals or a whitish coating are visible on the surface, this product is clearly of poor quality.
Soil composition
Desirable soil components for orchids are:
- charcoal;
- bark (coniferous or deciduous trees);
- expanded clay;
- coir;
- peat;
- fern roots;
- sphagnum;
- polystyrene;
- vermiculite;
- Pine cones;
- humus.
Comparison of the finished product with cooked yourself
Question: what kind of soil - purchased or homemade better? - remains open. Sometimes it's easier to just go to the nearest flower center and purchase a ready-made composition. There would be, as they say, money and time. But it also happens that it is easier to make the substrate yourself - this is the case if the necessary composition was not found on the shelves of the nearest shop or there are no such stores nearby.
Detailed description of famous manufacturers
Kekkila (Finland)
The approximate cost is 570-600 rubles for 1.4 kg. Primer specially designed for all types of orchids. Its rough structure is as close as possible to the soil in the jungle. The composition includes expanded clay, wood bark and coal, which provide good aeration. In addition, humic acids have been added, which improve root growth. Artificial additives soil does not contain.
Geolia (Russia)
Approximate cost - 55 rubles for 2.5 liters.
Another soil composition for any variety of orchids. is he prolongs the flowering period and promotes the development of a powerful plant root system.
In the package layers are: charcoal (15%), sphagnum moss (30%) and pine bark (55%). Coal is additionally packed.
Living World (Belarus)
The approximate cost is 181 rubles for 315 g. Universal soil suitable for growing cambria, dendrobium, phalaenopsis, wand, miltonia.
Composed:
- fine sand;
- clay particles;
- high peat;
- perlite;
- a piece of chalk;
- vermiculite;
- complex fertilizer with long-term microelements.
Ambulance
Manufacturer Russia. Approximate cost - 54 rubles per 2.5 liters.
Substrate is saturated with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Ingredients: fat land, moss, bark.
Permissible storage temperature range: from -35 to +40 degrees. Acidity (pH): 5.5 + 6.5.
Bio effect
Approximate cost - 230 rubles per 2 liters.
In the line of Russian drugs are 4 fractions:
- Substrate of the Start fraction of 8–13 mm (for plants requiring 41–49% breathability).
- The substrate of the average fraction of Energy is 13-19 mm (for plants requiring 49-55% air permeability).
- Substrate of the average fraction of Super 19-28 mm (for plants requiring 52-58% air permeability).
- Substrate coarse fraction Maxi 28-47 mm (for plants requiring 55-60% air permeability).
Substrate does not require prior sterilizationIt is easy to pick up moisture and has a stable PH. Angarsk pine wood, which is a part, has antibacterial properties and resistance to decay. Chemistry as part of no. The natural composition contributes to bright and lush flowering. Service life - 2-3 years.
Saramis (Germany)
Approximate cost - 900 rubles for 2.5 kg. Specially designed complex, ideal for all varieties of orchids.
Composed:
- 70% clay granules and bark;
- nitrogen (18 mg / l);
- phosphorus (55 mg / l);
- potassium (180 mg / l).
Such an environment is perfect for the root system, since close to natural: the roots get enough moisture from the granules, the bark gives access to the air. In addition, the clay granules, having absorbed a certain amount of water, begin to gradually give it to the flower, i.e. performing autowatering functions.
The substrate is used for several years an unlimited number of times. Unlike many other mixtures, Ceramis can be reused, even if the potted plant has died.
Orchid can be transplanted into pots, because the granulate eliminates divorce and leakage. During the entire shelf life, the substrate does not clot and does not lose its properties. When transplanting orchids in Saramis, the roots can not be cleared from the old earth.
Fasasco
Approximate cost - from 72 rubles for 10 kg. Carefully selected composition provides the plant with rapid growth and health, improves its decorative qualities, forms the optimum water and air conditions.
The composition of the Russian drug:
- high peat;
- drainage;
- pine bark;
- coal;
- sphagnum moss
Convenient packaging - doypak. Shelf life - 5 years.
Black gold
Approximate cost - from 65 rubles per 2 liters. Universal soil based on coconut substrate with an ideal level of acidity. Also included in the composition of pine oracle, providing good breathability. But pathogenic microflora is not there. The substrate of Russian production retains its properties during the entire shelf life and is resistant to decomposition for 5-6 years. The soil does not have an unpleasant smell and can be used repeatedly.
Flower happiness
Approximate cost - 84 rubles per 2.5 liters.
Excellent proven when growing orchids. Contains drainage, coal and wood bark.
Creates the necessary air-water mode, helps to strengthen the plant, its long and abundant flowering.
Zeoflora
Approximate cost - from 300 rubles to 2.5 liters.
Non-toxic to humans and the environment material containing active silicon, zeolite, nitrogen, potassium and sterile.
Increases stress resistance of the plant, creates optimal aeration of the root system. Does not require additional treatment before use..
Welltorf
The approximate cost is 12 rubles per 25 kg. High quality universal soil suitable for any kind of orchid. The basis of the substrate are sand, milling and lowland peat, limestone materials. It has a fourth hazard class.
The the product is not suitable for planting "babies" with short rootsbecause leaves a lot of voids and the roots can not be fixed inside the pot. And for handling adult plants is ideal. Experienced growers advise you to mix this soil with others.
When working with any of the above substrates, precautions should be observed:
- wash hands after work;
- in case of contact with eyes, rinse with plenty of clean running water;
- Despite the fact that such mixtures are low-hazardous and exclude poisoning, it is better not to allow babies and pets to the substrate.
Which is better?
- By cost. Looking at the ratio of price and quality, you can name the best options: the effect of Bio, Ambulance, Flower happiness.
- By composition. All substrates (with the exception of Veltorfa) are universal in composition and are suitable for all varieties of orchids.
Properly selected substrate will allow you to grow a beautiful and strong plant to the joy of the owner. Be interested in the opinions of experts, attend exhibitions and forums, read the special literature, and the problem of choice will go to the distant plan. If the florist does not spare his strength and money for his orchid, then she will not spare his flowering for him.
Comparison of soil for orchids Ceramis and Zeoflora
