Charcoal…

[pillairp]

Hi,

I am not finding any place which sell ready to use orchid mix. Just want to know some home grown items to prepare potting mix.

And also is it ok if I pot the orchids only in charcoals? Will it in any way cause harm to the plants…

Regards,
Rajesh

[mujacko2002]

Mabuhay!

Hi there, i live in a tropical country though most of my orchids are attached to trees, i have some orchids, bromeliads and ferns that are thriving with charcoals as medium.

goodluck & Godbless

[blrnut]

you can use charcoal. You will have to water more frequently as charcoal does not hold water like other media. I have some of my orchids in this media as well.

[delphiguy]

pilla
with orchids you can use your imagination especially for the epiphytes. as long as the mix
are free draining its ok... charcoal, pebbles, gravel, coco husks/chips... or any
combination. Just avoid treated/painted wood or metals.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Sure, just remember that you may have to increase the amount of water you provide since charcoal will not retain water like bark.

Cheers,
BD

[pillairp]

Thanks everyone for the guidance!!!

[Halloamey]

Another important suggestion is to cover the top and sides of your potting media (charcoal) with coconut husk or moss. In tropical countries strong sunlight shining continuously causes the black charcoal to heat up, this burns the growing root tips and can lead to root dessication and loss.

[plucker]

Charcoal has healing properties for orchids from what I have heard. A little in your mix helps things along, and can reduce stress from repotting.