Potting orchids using coco husk medium

[Halloamey]

Hello all, as promised here is a short tutorial showing how I make my medium and plant orchids in it.

1) To start with, here are the components of the medium, 1 part CHCs, 1 part shredded Styrofoam and 1 part Charcoal, (All of approximately same size). CHCs are water retentive and yet keep the medium airy. Charcoal even though absorbs water dries very fast and keeps the media moist, airy and adsorbs any growth inhibiting substances produced from the decomposition of the CHCs. Styrofoam is non water retentive and acts as a filler aiding air circulation and keeping the medium light so that the basket or pot can be hanged.



2) Mix the ingredients thoroughly.



3) Tie a supporting bamboo stick to the base of the pot using a green plastic thread.



4) Secure the stick in place towards one side of the pot by placing pot shards in the bottom as shown.

[Halloamey]

5) Next add a layer of the prepared medium.



6) Place the plant to be potted on the media and secure it to the supporting bamboo stick.



7) Add the remaining media and tap the pot, so that smaller pieces get adjusted within the gaps.



8) Finally I mulch the pot with coconut fibres and attach the hanger to the pot and then thoroughly water the pot.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Looks great, Amey. This would make a good article for the library. Why not post it in the Orchid Article Library too?

Cheers,
BD

[espranch]

WOW, Amey! That was inspiring. I am trying something with my cattleya Volocano Queen. (lemon yellow/hot pink lip) It has great roots, and so I put some coconut husk on a piece of fern tree, placed the cat on top of it. Then I put some more coconut husk on top, then tied the whole thing up snug. I misted the whole thing down, and now I'll just leave it alone for four or five days. Should be O.K. but I've only used spagum moss before...Anyone out there done a mounting this way? Please tell me if it worked for you! Betty

[catttan]

Thanks Amey for the tutorial.

[chatlike]

Hi, I've mounted some dying orchids with coconut husk and they're doing well now with lots of new roots and the medium drys out quickly enough so no probs with the monsoon. My question is, can i leave the orchids mounted like that? Will the husks degrade?