Substrate for orchids. Coconut substrate in briquettes

A beautiful orchid plant pleases with its beauty and exoticism. This flower was brought from Europe, and he immediately won the hearts of connoisseurs of beauty. The cultivation of orchids is not too troublesome occupation, despite all the unusual nature of the plant. However, inept care can lead to the death of the flower. What is the problem? It is known that the orchid is unpretentious to watering. The main feature of her breeding is the selection of soil. The substrate for an orchid should be special. Its wrong consistency and is the frequent cause of death of this gorgeous flower.

Where grow orchids?

Soil for orchids should be selected depending on the type of plant. Even the ready mix, which is sold in stores, does not fit every flower. It is necessary to select individual types of substrates in each specific case. The main requirements for the soil are lightness, moisture capacity, air permeability and looseness. The tropical climate is native to orchids. In nature, they grow in conditions of high humidity, clinging to branches and trunks. The plants feed on dead cortex and plant remains in cracks. Algae and mosses are next to these plants. This is the most optimal environment for good orchid development . At home, it is impossible to create such harmony, but it is necessary to bring the environment as close as possible to the natural one. This is especially true of the soil.

Substrate Features

The substrate for plants is very diverse. Each type of flower requires its own conditions for full growth and development. Orchid - not an exception and even requires a special composition of the soil. For this plant, ordinary fertile land is not suitable and can lead to its death. The most common mistake of the florists is an improperly chosen substrate for an orchid. That only did not try the gardeners to create a comfortable environment for the growth of this flower. The earth was mixed with straw and even synthetic fibers. To date, there is already a certain list of components that are suitable for the formation of the substrate. Basically, wood bark, fern roots, charcoal, sphagnum moss, sheet earth, polystyrene, perlite, peat turf and coconut fiber are used. These are the most common components. A popular and affordable component is the pine bark. The substrate for the orchid can be purchased at the store or prepared independently.

Orchid transplantation

When the plant shows signs of a lack of nutrients: leaves dry, the color changes and there are no flower stalks, one should think about its transplantation. If there is a greenhouse, you can transplant at any time, even during the formation of flowers. If the entire adaptation process takes place on the windowsill, then it is better to wait until the end of flowering. During the rest period, the transplant will be more successful. The roots of the plant are very tightly attached to the walls of the pot. Therefore, it is necessary to soak the flower soil well and after 15 minutes it is easy to pull it out. Roots of orchids can be cut depending on the size of the new pot. We change the old substrate to a new one and plant a flower. It is better to strengthen it by placing a wand until the plant is rooted.

Pine Bark

One of the most important components that make up the substrate is the pine bark. Features of the structure of the roots require high aeration and excellent access to moisture. Therefore, the substrate for the orchid should perfectly cope with these tasks. At the base of the soil can lie the bark of oak, spruce, birch and deciduous trees. It can be purchased at the store or collected independently. The bark contains microorganisms that decompose it and are the activators of the development of the mycelium. It provides free access of oxygen to the roots. But do not forget that the components of the bark largely absorb nitrogen. The plant begins to lack this component and needs additional fertilizing. The acidic medium of this element reacts with the alkaline water and makes the soil neutral.

How to prepare bark?

Choose the bark of trees of middle age. They should not be too old or young. The bark should be free of mold, resin or other foreign impregnations. For greater safety, you can boil it, and then dry it. Then this component is cut into pieces, the size of which depends on the age of the plant and its dimensions. For small plants, the size of the fragments should be no more than a hazelnut, and for large plants, no more than a walnut.

Substrate components

The substrate for seedling and orchid breeding can include various components. Firstly, it is a pine bark. Charcoal is also a frequent constituent of the soil. It can be taken from a fire, where the coals have completely burnt out. The amount of this component should not be large. It has the property of accumulating salts, which is bad for the growth of the plant. For young orchids, the sphagnum moss is one of the constituent substrata of the substrate. It must be changed at least once a year. Before use, moss must be soaked in water for a day to get rid of insects. Peat is very often introduced into the soil to plant orchids. Its structure should be fibrous and contain a minimum amount of salts. Its direct task is to retain moisture in the soil. Sometimes in the substrate for orchids add the roots of the fern. For this, adult plants are best. When self-preparation of soil, it is necessary to carefully steal all components to avoid getting fungi and bacteria. Always remember that the composition of the substrate depends on the type of orchid.

Coir

Today, for many growers, a coconut substrate for orchids has become available. It is an organic component that is made from coconut shell and its outer peel. The shell is thoroughly washed, sterilized, well dried and pressed. This makes the fiber transport more convenient. A coconut substrate is sold in briquettes. This is an excellent environment for good growth and development of orchids and some other plants. After soaking, the coconut substrate perfectly retains moisture.

What is a coconut block?

What is a coconut substrate in briquettes? This is an extruded block, which usually has a size of 30 centimeters in length and width and 15 centimeters in height. Its weight is about 4.5 kg. One such block with maceration gives about 15 liters of substrate. It can be used either alone, for growing a plant, or in combination with other components for preparing soil with a certain composition. The fiber particles in the blocks can be of different sizes. Therefore, it is necessary to select them depending on the requirements of plants for oxygen and moisture capacity. Coconut blocks are ideal for growing orchids. They consist of organic matter and have excellent drainage.

Advantages of coconut fiber

Today, almost every specialized store can buy a coconut substrate. Its price ranges from 200 to 450 rubles per block. The advantages of this component are obvious. First, it is a completely organic environment. Secondly, it is an excellent breathability, which is especially important for orchids. The third advantage is a high moisture capacity. The coconut substrate is capable of retaining moisture 7 times its own weight. The microflora of this component is not pathogenic. It is safe and does not contain chemical additives. It is an environmentally friendly product. The substrate of coconut has a neutral medium, which is ideal not only for orchids, but also for many other plants. For cultivation by hydroponics method this is an ideal material. This component is an ideal environment for the development of the root system. Coconut substrate can be used many times. It is suitable for growing orchids, gerbera, tomato, anthurium, pepper, cucumber and many other plants.